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31 January 2024 | Story EDZANI NEPHALELA | Photo ANJA AUCAMP
Dr Martin Laubscher
Dr Martin Laubscher’s thesis, crowned with the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize, is testament to the university’s unwavering commitment to scholarly excellence.

In a historic triumph that reverberates over four decades since its inception, the UFS has clinched the coveted Andrew Murray Prize – now renamed the Andrew Murray-Desmond Tutu Prize – for the first time. Standing shoulder to shoulder with institutions such as the University of Pretoria (UP) and Stellenbosch University (SU), this achievement marks a significant milestone in the UFS’ journey.

At the heart of this accomplishment lies the profound contribution of Dr Martin Laubscher, distinguished Senior Lecturer specialising in Practical and Missional Theology in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. Dr Laubscher’s dedication and scholarly prowess culminated in the groundbreaking work titled Publieke teologie as profetiese teologie? (Public theology as prophetic theology), a revised edition of his doctoral thesis, which was originally crafted at Stellenbosch University in 2020, with a focus on the eminent Karl Barth.

Dr Laubscher received the Andrew Murray Prize for Theological Books in Afrikaans for his research and insightful analysis. The journey started when he realised, under the guidance of his study leader, Prof Dion Forster, that his script had the potential to be published in Afrikaans. Sun Media’s interest in publishing this work in Afrikaans, led to it being the first-ever published thesis in Afrikaans. Dr Laubscher recalls, “I was grateful and excited about Sun Media’s interest. The book emerged within a year, and during a celebratory launch Prof Forster suggested I submit it for the Andrew Murray Prize.”

Earlier this year, Dr Laubscher was excited to learn that he was being shortlisted for the prestigious award. Reflecting on the significant moment, he shares, “The elation I felt upon receiving the news was unparalleled. I was not only celebrating a personal triumph, but also etching my name as the first laureate from our faculty to secure this prestigious accolade.”

News Archive

Kovsies heading to Varsity Netball finals – again!
2014-10-14



The Kovsie Netball side is well underway to hold onto their champion status in the Varsity Netball Championships. On Monday evening, 13 October 2014, they beat NWU-Pukke 51–45 in the semi-final that took place on our Bloemfontein Campus.

The ladies from the UFS established a comfortable lead early on. Despite a strong comeback effort from NWU, Kovsies ended the game as conquerors with their second consecutive final ahead of them for next Monday.

Our team could hardly ask for better supporters, as the crowd roared them on to a winning score. They made the most of every attacking opportunity on court and played an offensive match. This was especially evident during the power plays – a period of time during which each goal is worth two points.

NWU-Pukke managed to fight their way back, coming within a goal of their hosts. But Kovsies went into a well-earned 10–6 lead during the first break. Kovsies’ Danelle Willemse and Ane Botha impressed with their accuracy at the hoop and clinically-executed shots at goal. At half-time, Kovsies had built up to a 27–14 lead.

The home side was in complete control of the game as they went into the final break with the scoreboard at 43–31. NWU’s effort fell short in the last quarter, though, and they could not snatch the victory from the defending Kovsie champions.

Kovsies will face the Tuks team in Pretoria on Monday 20 October at 18:45 for the final of the 2014 Varsity Netball tournament.


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