The University is pleased to announce the appointment of Professor RS Letšosa as the new Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion, with effect from 1 March 2023 until 31 December 2026.

Professor Letšosa is a currently appointed as a Full Professor and Dean in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of the Free State.  Professor Letšosa obtained his PhD in Liturgics at the Potchefstroom Church for Higher Education. He joined the University of the Free State as Dean in January 2019. He is also a Minister in the Reformed Churches in South Africa since 2001. Prior joining the University of the Free State, he held positions as Vice-Rector: Academic Affairs at the Theological School Potchefstroom; Vice-Rector: Teaching and Learning; Director: School of Ministries Training and Director: School of Ecclesiastical Studies at North West University, Potchefstroom.

He implemented various changes as Dean in the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of the Free State including the significant increase in student numbers at undergraduate level by almost 400%, shifting the demographic profile of the student body. He spearheaded the implementation of a new mode of online learning within a short period of time. As Dean he has been in the forefront of the creation of an inclusive culture within the Faculty. During the last few years the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of the Free State, has been experiencing a rather seismic shift in terms of the staff profile from older to younger and from exclusively homogenous to more diversity. The Faculty prides itself on an impressive research output and a well-performing Acta Theologica at the University of the Free State’s Theological Explorations.

Professor Letšosa is an established scholar who has published both locally and internationally. He has also been instrumental in the Teaching and Learning transformation, including the implementation of decolonization of the curriculum, an assessment guideline, an implementation plan, digital teaching and learning, and a number of Teaching and Learning champions in the Faculty. He was involved with the Acta Strategic plan workshop and improved research output within the Faculty. He also established a Faculty discussion Forum to improve on the workflow of this plan.

I congratulate Professor Letšosa on his appointment and wish him well in his career as Dean of the Faculty of Theology and Religion and to welcome him as a member of the University’s management team.

I would also like to take this opportunity to thank Professor Jerry Pillay, who is presently serving as Dean of the faculty until 31 December 2022. His significant contributions to the University of Pretoria are acknowledged with gratitude.

Best regards,

Professor T Kupe

Vice-Chancellor and Principal