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31 January 2024
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Story EDZANI NEPHALELA
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Photo ANJA AUCAMP
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.”
Thirteen UFS students among Top 100 at GradStar awards
2016-11-04
Minette Nortjé, Jon-Dylon Petersen and
Bongani Mtotoba from the University of the Free State,
were part of South Africa’s Top 100 graduates.
Photo: Rulanzen Martin
Thirteen students from the University of the Free State were selected as part South Africa’s Top 100 graduates in the GradStar programme.
The programme, which is sponsored by FNB and Fasken Martineau, was set up by BlackBark productions and GradConnection. It is a unique opportunity for each graduate to draw upon the expertise and knowledge of those gone before them.
GradStar programme 2016
The GradStar programme matches the country’s best future graduates with potential employers and business mentors. The Top 100 students were selected based on leadership criteria and readiness for the workplace, in addition to their academic performance. The programme ended in employer workshops with the Top 100.
To have been in the Top 100, the candidates went through a rigorous four-phase judging process. This process consisted of the application to the 2016 GradStar programme, psychometric testing, video interviewing and an assessment day followed by the awards ceremony. The list was announced at a gala dinner at Wanderers Club on 27 September 2016.
13 top students from the UFS
The top students from the UFS and their majors are:
• Bongani Anthony Mtotoba: Law and Accounting
• Jon-Dylon Petersen: Quantity Surveying
• Helena Scholtz: Economics
• Mbali Moeketsi: Media Studies and Journalism
• Minette Nortjé: Law
• Molebogeng Motseke: Marketing Communication
• Neo Mathinya: Agronomy
• Phila Tantsi: Money and Investments
• Ramona Govender: Criminal Law
• Tiisetso Mashele: Mathematical Statistics
• Tshimologo Roestoff: LLB Law
• Tyrone Morehen: LLB Law
• Vhuthuhawe Sadiki: Corporate Marketing and Communication