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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
Provisional registration period extended to 30 April 2012
2012-03-25
25 March 2012
After a week of intense negotiations between the senior leadership of the University of the Free State (UFS) and the Student Representative Council (SRC) of the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses, the SRC has managed to persuade the senior leadership to extend the provisional registration period to Monday 30 April 2012.
This means that, until 30 April 2012, no students will be deregistered for not being able to pay their provisional registration fee. The initial deadline for students to register provisionally was 6 April 2012.
The SRC requested the extension of provisional registration and the senior leadership of the UFS agreed thereto for the following reasons:
- To allow students more time to raise the money;
- To allow the provincial and national government, as well as NSFAS more time to respond to students’ financial needs; and
- To allow the SRC and the university more time to consult with students with strong academic records about financial aid options outside the university.
“The SRC is glad to note that the university management values our efforts in representing our students and we've been able to leverage that advantage to negotiate an extension of the deregistration date with management. We're happy that in this case management has responded to the appeal of students through the SRC and we're exceptionally proud of our ability to push student interests to unprecedented heights,” says Mr Richard Chemaly, SRC President of the Bloemfontein Campus.
According to Mr Chemaly, the SRC is confident in their negotiation abilities. “While others might strike and protest, it is in the best interests of our students to talk to the senior leadership about important issues that are in the interests of students,” he says.
“Since our request to extend the provisional registration period was approved by the university management, the SRC has been working tirelessly to ensure that no deserving student gets deregistered. This includes setting up external funds, approaching the Premier’s office for assistance and setting up the most extensive bursary database any SRC has ever had,” Mr Chemaly says.
If there are any parents or students in need of help for provisional registration, please contact Mr Chemaly at chemalyra@ufs.ac.za.
Media Release
25 March 2012
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: +27(0)51 401 2584
Cell: +27(0)83 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za