The University of the Western Cape (UWC) is proud to announce that Professor Johnathan Jodamus, an Associate Professor in the Department of Religion and Theology, has been awarded the prestigious Georg Forster Research Fellowship by the Alexander von Humboldt Foundation.

This esteemed fellowship will allow Prof Jodamus to conduct cutting-edge research over the next three years as a research fellow at the University of Bamberg, Germany.

Prof Jodamus's research, titled "Readings, Rituals, and Rhythms: Exploring biblical readings and ritual practices as indigenous meaning making within the Pinkster Kerk", delves into the unique religious practices of the Pinkster Kerk, a Pentecostal tradition deeply rooted in the Cape Flats of South Africa.

His work aims to illuminate how these practices serve as a form of resistance against social and cultural oppression, offering new perspectives on the intersection of religion, culture, and social justice.

Prof Jodamus says, “My academic background is rooted in biblical studies with a particular focus on the intersections of race, gender, and class. Growing up on the Cape Flats, I have always been deeply aware of how social inequalities shape religious experiences. This personal context, combined with my academic training, has led me to explore how marginalised communities use religion as a means of resistance. My journey has been driven by a commitment to uncovering and amplifying the voices of those who are often overlooked in scholarly discourse, which ultimately led me to pursue this research on the Pinkster Kerk.”

The Georg Forster Fellowship is awarded to scholars from the Global South and is known for its competitive selection process, with only 20 to 25 percent of successful applicants.

Prof Jodamus's achievement underscores his significant contributions to the field of theology and his commitment to advancing knowledge that resonates locally and globally.

During his fellowship from 2024 to 2027, Prof Jodamus will be hosted by Prof Dr Kathrin Gies, Chair of Old Testament Studies at the University of Bamberg.

This collaboration promises to foster rich academic exchanges and further UWC's mission of promoting innovative research that bridges cultural and academic divides.

When asked about the importance of international collaboration and the opportunity that this award presents, he says, “I hope to foster international collaboration by connecting with scholars from various disciplines who are interested in religion, culture, and social justice. The interdisciplinary nature of my research - spanning theology, sociology, anthropology, and cultural studies - provides numerous opportunities for collaboration.

“I also aim to share my findings with global networks of scholars and activists, contributing to a more nuanced understanding of how marginalised communities use religion as a tool for resistance and empowerment.”.

Prof Jodamus adds: “My research contributes to sustainable development in the field of religion studies by providing a deeper understanding of how marginalised communities construct and sustain their religious identities in the face of social and cultural oppression. By documenting and analysing the practices of the Pinkster Kerk, this work not only preserves an important aspect of cultural heritage but also highlights the role of religion in promoting social justice. This contribution is vital for developing a more socially just and equitable field of study that recognises and values the diverse ways in which people experience and express their faith.” 

We congratulate Prof Johnathan Jodamus on this remarkable achievement and look forward to the impactful contributions his research will make in the years to come.