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02 January 2025
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Story Edzani Nephalela
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Photo Lethabo Machabaphala
From the left are, Prof John Klaasen, Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion; Prof Vasu Reddy, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research and Internationalisation at the UFS; Prof Anthea Rhoda, acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS; Prof Allan Boesak; Prof Nico Koopman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel at Stellenbosch University; and Dr Eugene Fortein, Senior Lecturer: Historical and Constructive Theology at Prof Boesak’s book launch.
In a world increasingly defined by the stark contrasts of power and vulnerability, the concept of democracy often reveals itself as a double-edged sword. For the children of struggle – those who have grown up amid the chaos of inequality and conflict – democracy can feel like a distant promise, an ideal often outmanned by the realities they face. The deception of hope lingers in the air as aspirations clash with systemic barriers, leaving many to navigate a landscape where a harsh daily existence obscures the principles of freedom and justice. This exploration seeks to uncover the intricate dynamics between hope and disillusionment, shedding light on the lived experiences of those who yearn for a brighter future yet grapple with the weight of unfulfilled promises.
This was the essence of the public lecture titled Outmanned by Democracy: Children of Struggle, Deception, and Hope, presented by Prof Allan Boesak, a theologian and political activist, on the Bloemfontein Campus.
Prof Boesak confronted the continuous socio-economic challenges faced by South Africa and other nations, including racism, narrow ethnic nationalism, and the revival of tribalism. He emphasised the role of churches in tackling these issues. “The responsibility of churches is to articulate what politicians are often afraid to say,” he stated. “Put your ideologies into practice and leverage your power as ministers of the Word to shape the future and reclaim the dignity of your people. This is where unity transcends colour and stature. Consider the various roles that churches could play in reconciling communities, as seen in the Gaza crisis.”
During his visit to the UFS Faculty of Theology and Religion, Prof Boesak also launched a four-volume set titled The Fire, The River and the Scorched Earth: Fifty Years of Black Theology Through the Lens of Allan Boesak. The first three volumes include his lectures and responses from various theologians, while the fourth contains his sermons. This body of work aims to document, critique, and celebrate the contributions of black theology, highlighting its role in the struggle for justice and liberation and underscoring Prof Boesak’s unwavering commitment to freedom, liberation, and democracy.
In a time when hope and disillusionment coexist, Prof Boesak’s insights remind us of the transformative power of faith and activism in the continuing fight for a more equitable world
Main Campus elects its first black SRC president
2009-08-22
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Mr Moses Masitha
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Mr Moses Masitha, B.A. Philosophy student and SASCO candidate, is the first black President of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Student Representative Council (SRC) for the Main Campus.
The results for the SRC and Student Parliament of the UFS’s Main Campus were announced today after the elections, which took place on Wednesday, 19 August 2009. Mr Masitha was Vice-President (External) in 2007/2008.
This year, four organisations, namely SASCO, FF+ Kovsies, the DA and COPESM, took part in the elections. Altogether 6 174 students took part in the voting this year, while 6 926 students voted last year.
On the proportional representation SASCO obtained 48,2% votes, FF+ Kovsies 43%, the DA 5% and COPESM 3,8%.
The election was declared free and fair by Prof. Thomas Acho, Chief Electoral Officer of the Independent Electoral Agency (IEA).
“The UFS management wishes to thank the IEA for the professional manner in which they independently managed the whole election process. The management will, as always, provide our full support to the efforts of the newly elected student leadership as well as the representatives of various student organisations in the realisation of the university’s objectives,” said Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Deputy Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
21 August 2009 |