Prof Russel Botman’s enduring commitment to hope and transformation was celebrated during the 10th anniversary of the Russel Botman Memorial Lecture (RBML), held at Stellenbosch University (SU). The milestone event also marked the launch of a new publication, Dare to Hope: The Russel Botman Memorial Lectures, 2014–2024, which immortalises a decade of thought-provoking reflections inspired by his life and leadership.

A diverse audience – both in person and online, including current and former members of SU’s leadership, past and present Deans of the Faculty of Theology, academic staff, students and partners of the University – attended the event on 16 October 2025.

Planting a tree for future generations

In his welcome address, Prof Reggie Nel, Dean of the Faculty of Theology, described the book, a collection of memorial lectures, as “a tree we are planting for generations of people to sit under its shade and enjoy its fruit”.

Reflecting on the collection, Nel highlighted two recurring themes: transformation and hope. He referenced the first memorial lecture delivered by Prof Dirk Smit, who observed that “Prof Botman did not develop his views on transformation when he became rector, but he became rector because of his commitment to transformation”. Nel added that the same steadfast dedication to hope resonates through every chapter of the book.

A legacy of courage and compassion

Prof Sibusiso Moyo, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies and a key contributor to the book’s production, paid tribute to Botman's enduring legacy.

“The vision that Prof Botman championed during his tenure as Rector and Vice-Chancellor is the legacy we celebrate today – one of courage, compassion, and an unwavering belief in the power of education to uplift and unite,” she said. “As our country and continent continue to wrestle with inequality, unemployment, poverty and exclusion, we are called to continue the work he began – to ensure that talented students from rural and under-served communities are not only welcomed to SU, but empowered to thrive. It is a deep responsibility we all share.”

Reflections of hope

A panel discussion followed, featuring contributors to the book and moderated by Madre Arendse, Programmes Coordinator at the Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology.

Prof Nico Koopman, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Social Impact, Transformation and Personnel, reflected on how Botman’s approach to public theology shaped SU and extended far beyond the Faculty of Theology.

“Russell always sought appropriate ways to go public with faith and theological convictions,” Koopman explained. “As Rector and Vice-Chancellor of a pluralistic institution, he had to navigate different worldviews and beliefs. He taught us that one can bring deep theological convictions into the public domain – even without explicitly using theological language. The way he defined and lived hope was informed by his theology, yet he could convey it in a language that appealed to people outside his own theological and faith tradition.”

Prof Xolile Simon, Associate Professor of Practical Theology and Missiology, spoke about his lecture exploring religious diversity, social justice and interfaith pedagogy – themes deeply intertwined with Botman’s legacy.

“I was interested in his ideas and how his ideas were influencing what he was doing as a leader. I was also interested in how he responded to tough questions around what diversity is and therefore I framed it as his engagement with religious diversity. The social justice part connects two aspects – uprooting poverty and ubuntification, which in a sense addresses the issue of self-worth and the dignity of the people. The Ubuntu pedagogy was a way of engaging in a pedagogy of hope. It is through the interaction between those three aspects – social diversity, justice and pedagogy of hope – that you create transformation.”

Dr Beryl Botman, Chairperson of the Russel Botman Bursary Fund and SU alumna, encouraged the University community to expand the vision of the memorial lectures.

“Prof Botman’s legacy extends far beyond these lectures,” she said. “We can use his story to take bold steps to tell different stories and to venture into new directions. By drawing on his vast global network and the connections he nurtured, we can take his legacy forward by looking for new ways to engage with complex and difficult issues.”

Bursary recipients

Ms Roxanne Botman, Committee Member of the Russel Botman Bursary Fund and a SU alumna, then introduced the eight recipients of the 2025 Russel Botman Bursary Fund. They are: Aidan Lucian Fletcher (MTh (Practical Theology), Lando Joyi ( HonsBSc Plant Pathology), Lwandisile Mhlanga (MEng Industrial Engineering), Kayla Ruiters, (MTh Practical Theology), Celsey Farao (MBChB), Gabriella Clarke (BEd Foundation Phase), Aviwe Ndlaleni BSc (Molecular Biology and Biotech) and Liam Reese Pietersen (BEng Mechanical Engineering).

Speaking on behalf of the recipients, Lwandisile Mhlanga, MEng (Industrial Engineering – Logistics and Supply Chain Systems), drew inspiration from the newly launched Dare to Hope, reflecting:  “Some of us came to this University without funding, but we dared to hope. This bursary makes that hope a reality.”