Russel Botman tribute: 'We must become citizens of hope'

Russel Botman Photo: Lulama Zenzile / African News Agency (ANA)

Russel Botman Photo: Lulama Zenzile / African News Agency (ANA)

Published Oct 19, 2018

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Cape Town – Artscape chief executive Marlene le Roux has paid tribute to former Stellenbosch University (SU) rector and vice-chancellor Russel Botman, hailing him a preacher of hope, an activist who saw culture and song as a bridge to overcome the divisions of the past.

Le Roux delivered the keynote address titled “From Brutality to Hope” at the university at the fourth annual lecture last night, commemorating the life of the late professor.

The lecture focused on Botman’s love and appreciation for the arts.

Le Roux said she chose the title as most of the attendees came from a brutalised background that deeply dehumanised the citizens of this country.

“Apartheid, through legislation, grouped us like animals being led to slaughter, and as slaughtered animals we were divided, classified and from (there) stripped of our natural social humanity,” she said.

“Russel Botman was first of all an activist, as he was shaped as a minister and theologian at the University of the Western Cape. This, I believe, deeply influenced his work as a church leader,” she said.

“Russel Botman stood for equal rights for access to the arts and theology, for the rights of women and of LGBTI persons. His legacy was the battle for humanity for all,” she said.

Le Roux said Botman’s Hope project, launched in July 2010, was a natural outflow from his activism and his theology of hope.

She said Botman had left a legacy of hope behind, not only as a theologian and pedagogue but also as a lover and promoter of the arts.

“It is crucial that we set an example with our deeds, that our words correspond with our actions and that our deeds will be true. 

"It is crucial that we do not use the language we speak and the culture we live as weapons against each other, but rather as tools to cultivate reconciliation,” said Le Roux.

“We have reached a point in our beloved country where we as a nation need to embark on a journey from brutalisation to hope - hope that has to be put into action, not only to heal the wounds of the past but to achieve social justice. We need to become active citizens of hope,” she said.

Cape Times

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