“Throughout my career, I have actively pursued change and progression within my sphere of influence,” says Prof Rantoa Letšosa, Dean of UP’s Faculty of Theology and Religion. He chats about his experience at the helm after 12 months and his future plans for the faculty.

March marks exactly a year since Professor Rantoa Letšosa took up the reins as Dean of the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Theology and Religion, a journey he describes as “gratifying”.

“The past 12 months have been a learning journey,” he says. “Engaging with UP’s unique and dynamic environment has been gratifying. Collaborating with a team of receptive and driven individuals has fostered a positive outlook on embracing change.”

UP’s Faculty of Theology and Religion is one of the leading theological institutions in Africa, and is known for its impactful teaching and learning as well as community engagement programmes. This, however, doesn’t mean that Prof Letšosa is resting on his laurels. 

“My ambition is to elevate the faculty's rating,” he says. “While performance has been commendable, there is always room for enhancement and growth. Priority will be given to increasing representation from designated groups, with a particular focus on advancing women, not only in academic roles, but also in leadership positions.” 

Prof Letšosa, whose academic background is anchored by a Master of Arts in Greek and a PhD in Practical Theology with specialisation in Liturgics, also wants to foster cultural transformation within the faculty to position it as “a premier choice for students, a place they are eager to register at due to its allure and not merely as a stepping stone to other faculties”.

“Throughout my career, I have actively pursued change and progression within my sphere of influence,” he continues. “I have been a pivotal figure in the unification efforts of the Reformed Churches in South Africa in various senior positions and played an instrumental role in restructuring North-West University as Vice Rector for Teaching and Learning.

“My leadership at the Faculty of Theology and Religion at the University of the Free State facilitated a fundamental transformation in management composition, promotions of staff from designated groups and young academics to improve the faculty academic profile along with a significant shift towards equitable representation within the faculty and substantive growth in student numbers.”

Prof Letšosa says he has enjoyed immense support from the UP Executive and this has contributed to a congenial work environment that he also seeks to keep cultivating within the faculty.

“My philosophy centres on cultivating an affirmative, familial atmosphere in the workplace, enabling everyone to regard their professional environment as a welcoming and nurturing space,” he adds.

Among the achievements he considers as highlights for the faculty – a fruit of the “foundation for long-term evolution that is being laid” – was improved pass rates last year compared to those observed in the preceding year. 

“Notably, a distinguished female faculty member, Prof Tanya van Wyk, participated in the Higher Education Leadership and Management (HELM) programme, subsequently leading the Women Leadership Programme at UP, and now represents the faculty at the Albert Luthuli Leadership Institute.

“We have also secured several memoranda of understanding with external parties – we’re anticipating growth in our postgraduate student cohort and wonderful collaboration across institutions.”

His appointment as dean last year was also accompanied by a reappointment to serve on the board of directors for the Bible Society of South Africa, a position he took up after a gap of close to 10 years.

So how does he unwind with such a demanding work schedule? 

“To rejuvenate and maintain a balanced lifestyle, I frequently travel between Pretoria and Bloemfontein, where I spend cherished moments with my family. Additionally, I dedicate time to continuous learning and reading, as well as actively participating in church activities at weekends. I still preach regularly. These pursuits provide me with a sense of fulfilment and tranquillity.”