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Prof Allan Boesak on the role of the church

02 January 2025 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Lethabo Machabaphala

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

News Archive

New residences open on Bloemfontein Campus

2013-01-21

Photo: Johan Roux
21 January 2013

Beginning 2013, the Bloemfontein Campus is seeing the opening of two new residences where male and female students will be housed under one roof but in separate units. Each residence will house 250 students.

House ConLaurês and House Outeniqua were opened for their first-years and Residence Committee (RC) on Friday 18 January 2013. The two newly Residence Heads, Mr Frank Makhabane (ConLaurês) and Mrs Leani Wimble (Outeniqua) welcomed the new residents.

The uniqueness of these residences is that they will be the first co-ed residences on campus. These residences are wheel chair friendly with fully equipped disabled rooms available. All signage has also been done in Braille. Each floor of the new residences has two lounges, as well as a fully fitted kitchen.

The Prime of House ConLaurês, Sherilyn Roelofse, says, “We aim to create a living space that is holistic and welcoming and will allow our residence members to be able to excel in a number of things”. Sherilyn says ConLaurês comes from the word “Condo Laurus”, which means dreams of victory. The House’s slogan is “The Symphony of Dreams”. Students came up with the name for the residence.

Tsatsi Mokoena, RC member responsible for RAG at House ConLaurês says RC members have been working hard for the past few months, trying to imagine how to do things without a physical structure. ConLaurês will be a residence with an inspirational living space where each student feels welcome, respected for who they are and at home, so that they will have the confidence to follow their dreams.”

The Prime of Outeniqua, Vusumzi Mesatywa says, “Change is always welcome and that is the mindset that we will be embracing as the new residences. When a student graduates, we need them to graduate not only as academics, but also as humans, holistic beings”.

Marla Stanier, RC First-Year Mentor at Outeniqua, says that new experiences await every student that walks through the doors of the residence. “As excited as we are, this new experience will test us in many ways.However, if we stand together as one, we will succeed.”

Mr Quintin Koetaan, Director of Housing and Residence Affairs, says, “The opening of ConLaurês and Outeniqua is a dream come true, providing accommodation for a new generation of students in the 21st Century”.

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