On the evening of 20 September 2023, the academic community had the privilege of witnessing the virtual inaugural lecture of Professor Garth Aziz, a distinguished academic in the College of Human Sciences (CHS), whose work has left an indelible mark on the landscape of practical theology. The lecture, aptly entitled Re-framing (South) African Youth Ministry: Cutting the Colonial Umbilical Cord of Western Hegemony was a remarkable account of Aziz's academic journey and the core values that have guided his path.

Prof Garth Aziz

Balancing act

Aziz began his lecture by emphasising the importance of acknowledging the collaborative nature of academic journeys. He stressed that academics are both influencers and the influenced, and that his intellectual development has been significantly shaped by interactions with peers, students, and the communities he serves.

In this context, he cited the wisdom of Professor Rosemary Moeketsi, the former Executive Dean at CHS, who highlighted the significance of recognising your roots and the responsibility to give back to those who have contributed to your development. Aziz acknowledged that the pursuit of knowledge, whether undertaken full-time or part-time, is inherently challenging. He shared insights from his personal life, highlighting the crucial role that his spouse played in providing him with the space and support to pursue his studies while maintaining a balance between academic commitments, family and leisure. This dedication to preserving priorities and maintaining focus has been instrumental in his successful academic journey.

The lecture also illuminated the profound role of passion in academic research. Aziz's enduring passion for youth ministry has fuelled his research endeavours, pushing him into various avenues of exploration that he might not have ventured into initially. He stressed the importance of research rooted in one’s passions, as these are the forces that challenge the status quo, inspire fresh perspectives and drive change.

Student-centred supervision

Aziz emphasised the importance of student-centred supervision in nurturing the growth of scholars. He noted that studies are not merely about obtaining a degree but also about discovering oneself and being transformed in the process. His guidance to students is grounded in the belief that they must study what they are passionate about, as this is the most promising path to degree completion. He highlighted the transformational journey that both students and supervisors undertake during this process. As an educator, Aziz views his role as a calling, one that involves recognising and nurturing the potential in everyone.

He acknowledges the disappointment that comes with students’ not living up to their potential but maintains hope as a constant source of inspiration. Furthermore, he stressed the need for educators to undergo training in education theory to enhance their teaching abilities.

Community engagement

Aziz discussed his involvement in projects with the Fohloza Foundation and the Discipline of Practical Theology. These projects, focused on lay ministers, ministers and church leaders, aim to bridge the gap between academia and society. Aziz believes that community engagement brings ordinary voices into the university, challenging the notion of the institution as an ivory tower and making it more relevant to its broader mandate. He has also participated in an international research project, in collaboration with Professor Jaco Dreyer, investigating the relationship between religion and various aspects such as human rights, socioeconomic rights, democracy and active citizenship. This broad-scale project has yielded significant publications, contributing to the academic discourse on these crucial subjects.

An inspiration to all

Aziz's inaugural lecture served as a remarkable testimony to the importance of passion, student-centred supervision and community engagement in academic journeys. His commitment to nurturing scholars and promoting a balance between academic and personal life is an inspiration to both colleagues and students. Aziz's lecture underscored the profound impact that dedicated educators can have on the development of their students and the broader academic community.

* By IHlubi Veli Mabona, Marketing Assistant, College of Human Sciences