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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
Suspect in theft of computer equipment arrested
2007-11-16
A suspect, who may be involved in the recent theft of computer equipment from buildings on the Bloemfontein campus of the University of the Free State (UFS), has been arrested.
On 13 November 2007 an alarm in the Agriculture Building on the Main Campus of the UFS was activated. Protection Services reacted to the alarm and the person, who tried to run away, was pursued and later arrested.
The suspect was handed to the South African Police Service (SAPS). Currently SAPS is conducting an intensive investigation in co-operation with Protection Services at the UFS.
“The extent of the investigation goes beyond this single case for which the captive was arrested,” said Mr Willie Frankim, Manager: Protection Services at the UFS.
Meanwhile, the UFS’s Safety Committee has decided on a number of measures to heighten security on campus, including:
- Patrols between buildings are to be intensified.
- Vehicles leaving the campus will be searched. This is being done on an ad hoc basis at all the gates.
According to Mr Frankim the university is also looking at extending the alarm system and measures to secure buildings on campus.
He said: “The above will not happen overnight. We request all staff members and students to give their co-operation and to be more security conscious by:
- Giving their co-operation at the gates when their vehicle is searched,
- To ensure that the windows of your office and building are closed,
- To lock office doors when you leave the office, even if it is for a short while,
- Not to leave your office unattended when there are strangers,
- to report suspicious persons as soon as possible to Protection Services,
- To ensure that valuable articles (laptops and cell phones) are locked away,
- To ensure the safekeeping of keys (not in drawers or on top of a door frame), and
- Determine who has access to a building and question anybody unknown.”
Contact Protection Services at any of the following numbers:
Duty room: O51-4012634 / 051-4012911
Mr Aggrey Litseho (investigation officer): 051-4013225 / 0836347919 /
Short cell phone x6060
Mr Willie Frankim (manager): 051 401 3438 / 0828831760/
Short cell phone x6000
“We can only combat crime if everybody is aware of their environment, everybody adheres to the basic rules and co-operates with Protection Services,” said Mr Frankim.
Media Release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Assistant Director: Media Liaison
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@ufs.ac.za
15 November 2007