There is a new skipper at the helm of the Department of New Testament and Related Literature, in the Faculty of Theology and Religion: Prof Chris de Wet.  Joining the University of Pretoria after a long and storied career at the University of South Africa, Prof De Wet takes over from Prof Dirk Human, who has been acting in this HOD position since Prof Ernest van Eck departed, to take on the rectorship at Knox College in Canada.

In the words of Prof Letšosa, Dean of the Faculty, “we are delighted to announce the appointment of Prof Chris de Wet as the new Head of Department for New Testament and Related Literature in the Faculty of Theology and Religion. Prof De Wet brings a wealth of academic and administrative experience to this role. He has been serving as professor of New Testament and Early Christian Studies in this very department since July 2024.

“Prof De Wet holds two doctorates, a DLitt in Ancient Greek from the University of Pretoria, and a PhD in Theology, specialising in New Testament studies, from Radboud University Nijmegen, in the Netherlands. His wide‑ranging fields of expertise encompass the history of the reception of the New Testament in early Christianity; Pauline literature; early Christian studies with a focus on Greek, Syriac, and Latin authors from the second to the seventh century CE; as well as late antiquity studies. Since his professorial appointment in 2024, he has contributed significantly to our understanding of early Christian texts and contexts through both teaching and research.

“Please join us in offering Prof Chris de Wet a warm welcome in his new capacity as Head of Department. We look forward to his leadership in guiding NTL into its next phase of growth and scholarly achievement.”

Prof de Wet himself has big plans and high hopes for the future of this department, "I am honoured to have been appointed as the Head of the Department of New Testament and Related Literature. My commitment is to build a department that is not only a leader in the field of New Testament studies and early Christian literature, but also a vibrant space where critical thinking, academic excellence, and community engagement thrive. For me, the study of ancient texts is not an isolated pursuit. These texts have the power to speak to contemporary issues, and my aim is to ensure that our teaching and research remain relevant to the challenges of our time.

“One of my key priorities is to foster a student-centred, dialogical, and adaptive academic environment. Our curriculum will not only focus on the historical and literary aspects of the New Testament, but also engage with questions of ethics, social justice, and cultural transformation. I believe that a decolonised curriculum – one that integrates non-Western perspectives and engages with African realities – is essential for our context.

“Digital innovation will also play a central role. I envision a department that harnesses the latest educational technologies to enhance teaching and learning, making our courses more accessible and interactive. At the same time, I am committed to maintaining the highest standards of research excellence, encouraging interdisciplinary projects that connect our discipline with fields such as history, archaeology, theology, and cultural studies.

“Above all, I believe in the power of collaboration and dialogue. As we build this department together, I look forward to working with my colleagues, students, and the broader university community to shape a future where our scholarship makes a real impact – both in South Africa and beyond. I look forward to the support of the Faculty and University as we collaborate to write our histories of the present together."

Welcome aboard Prof De Wet!