The University of Pretoria is saddened by the untimely passing of Professor Vuyani Vellem on Wednesday, 4 December 2019.

Prof Vellem, born on 25 December 1968, had been struggling with cancer over the last two years, which returned somewhat aggressively in July this year.

He joined the University of Pretoria, in the Faculty of Theology and Religion, in October 2010 as a Senior Lecturer in Dogmatics and Christian Ethics and at the time of his death he served as an Associate Professor in the recently established Department of Systematic and Historical Theology.

Prof Vellem, among other things, will be remembered as an intellectual giant, a strong proponent of Black and Liberation Theologies, as advocate for justice, a scholar and theologian of great standing, an ecumenist, teacher, pastor, husband, father and friend. He was a widely acclaimed international speaker and made significant contributions to global networks and ecumenical organisations, especially in the areas of justice and peace in the world.

We express our deepest condolences to his wife Phumeza, daughters Vovo and Philly, his mother and other members of the family, friends and colleagues in the Faculty of Theology and Religion.

May his memories remain in our hearts and minds and his soul rest in peace in the eternal presence and joy of Almighty God.

The funeral service will take place on Friday, 13 December 2019. The service will begin at 07:00 at 15353 Motsamai Street, Putswastene, Thabong in Welkom and then proceed to the Ferdi Meyer Hall at 08:30.

A special memorial service will be conducted by the Faculty of Theology and Religion in the new year.