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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
UFS takes steps to address power shedding
2008-01-31
The problem of power shedding was urgently discussed by the Executive Committee of the Executive Management (Exco) during its meeting yesterday.
A report was presented by Ms Edma Pelzer, Director: Physical Resources and Special Projects, and a consulting electrical engineer about possible short, medium and long term solutions for the UFS.
This includes (a) the possible installation of equipment (eg. power generators) and (b) operating procedures to ensure the UFS’s functionality despite power shedding.
We are also in contact with Centlec to bring about the best possible arrangements for the UFS regarding the power shedding. It is possible that refined power shedding schedules will be implemented within a few weeks or a month to ensure that there is minimal disruptions at the UFS (especially during evening lectures).
In the long term it is unaffordable to generate power for the whole campus to meet everyone’s electricity needs. Only critical points will be supplied with emergency power generators.
Emergency power generation for certain critical points have already been provided for (eg. the Callie Human Centre, the evacuation of large halls, computer services, critical long term research projects, etc.). We have been doing surveys since 2006 to determine the UFS’s preparedness for “normal” power failures. The extent of the current situation has, however, taken the whole country by surprise.
Certain urgent steps were decided on yesterday. A decision was made to immediately design emergency power systems and supply it to the new examination centre and large lecture halls such as the Stabilis, Flippie Groenewoud, Agriculture building, and possibly the West Block. The delivery and installation of these systems will, however, take from three to six months.
The UFS will have to manage despite the power shedding, even after the emergency power systems have been installed and we will not be able to function as normal. Every division must devise operating procedures to deal with the power shedding without jeopardising the quality of core functions.
Bloemfontein is luckier than many other cities because Centlec is able (so far) to keep to the published schedule to a large extent.
Plans are also being made to keep staff and students continuously informed via the UFS web site about expected power shedding schedules and risks of power shedding in the course of a day.
Exco requests every faculty and support service to think about suitable operational solutions for managing their work and meetings during a power shedding.
Every line head has instructions to urgently determine the situation and needs in his or her division and indicate what practical arrangements can and must be made to schedule work around the power shedding. Every line head must provide Exco with a status report within a week.
In this way critical areas in terms of core functions and high quality service delivery will be determined and receive attention. Security systems and the safety of staff and students will also receive specific attention - this includes the residences.
In the mean time the Department of Physical Resources will carry on with a wide-ranging investigation into the extent of needs and plans and will compile a budget for the solution thereof.
Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector: Academic Operations, and the deans had a meeting yesterday to discuss problems and possible solutions around the power shedding in eg. computer rooms, during evening lectures, and practical classes.
Options may include eg. alternative time slots (eg. weekends) or alternative halls (eg. at the Vista Campus) for evening lectures which are affected by power shedding, or adjusted teaching methods.
Staff is requested not to install their own power generators under any circumstances. It can be very dangerous when such apparatus are linked to a building’s electrical system. The safety of staff and students and the risks of fire or injuries must also be the highest priority under all circumstances.
The Department of Physical Resources is also in the process of investigating options such as smaller power generators or ‘UPS’ apparatus as part of a broader evaluation of needs and potential solutions.
Exco wants to ensure all staff and students that this matter is receiving urgent attention and will keep on receiving it.
If there are any practical solutions about dealing with the power shedding (such as alternative ways of working) you are invited to send an e-mail to: lightsout@ufs.ac.za