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02 January 2025 | Story Edzani Nephalela | Photo Lethabo Machabaphala
Prof Allan Boesak
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

News Archive

It's a Black-White Thing
2014-06-03

Seasoned American journalist, Donna Bryson, will launch her book at the Bloemfontein Campus. It's a Black-White Thing offers a story of hope for our country thirsty for good news. 
 
During 2008, Bryson – who was also in SA reporting on our first all-race elections – visited the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. The reason: to investigate the raging furore around the now-infamous Reitz event. Speaking to students, staff and two former rectors, she realised that the campus was indeed a microcosmic reflection of our country at large.
 
Now returning to where it all started, Bryson’s book shows that real change is finally taking place. Her stories tell of inspiring individual transformations under the leadership of Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS.
It's a Black-White Thing offers a story of hope for our country longing for good news.
 
Come join Donna Bryson and Prof Jansen when they will discuss the book during a public event. The launch of her book is hosted by the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice, in cooperation with the Department of Communication and Brand Management. The discussion forms part of the university's 20 years of democracy celebration series.
 
It’s a Black-White Thing is Bryson’s first book and was shortlisted for the City Press Tafelberg Nonfiction Award.
 
Date: Thursday 5 June 2014
Time: 10:00 – 11:00
Venue: Flippie Groenewoud Building (FGG), Block B, Room 202, Bloemfontein Campus

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