Prof Ernst Conradie at a UWC Graduation ceremony. Image: Shelley Christians/UWC

One of South Africa’s leading scholars in systematic theology and ethics has been rewarded for his years of research output with an A2-rating by the National Research Foundation (NRF).

Prof Ernst Conradie, who has been at the university for 32 years, has focused his research on the intersection between ecotheology, systematic theology and ecumenical theology.

Acting Dean of the Arts Faculty, Prof Sarojini Nadar, congratulated Prof Conradie on the recognition by the NRF.

“It speaks to the extraordinary volume of his scholarly production - at times reaching eight to ten publications in a single year - a feat that continues to astonish many of us. Such prolific output will no doubt be remembered as a defining feature of his academic legacy, as he soon reaches retirement,” said Pror Nadar.

For the UWC community, she said, the award offered a moment to reflect on the diverse ways scholarly contribution is rendered visible and valuable.

“It reminds us that the currency of recognition often lies in scale and repetition - familiar rhythms within a system that knows how to reward consistency,” said Prof Nadar.

“UWC nurtures a wide spectrum of intellectual labour, much of it oriented toward social transformation, community engagement, and epistemic justice - forms of scholarship not always easily quantifiable. Professor Conradie’s rating reflects one mode of scholarly excellence, shaped by how value is often assigned in research environments where output is closely tracked and meticulously counted. This milestone affirms that UWC academics continue to shape knowledge in ways that are both institutionally recognised and deeply impactful across different registers.”

Prof Ernst Conradie

On his award, Prof Conradie said: “I don't see the reward as something just for myself, but as a recognition for the kind of centres of excellence that have been built over many years at UWC against all the odds that we all know too well. So, yeah, it is therefore an appreciation for that. And if you read as such, then, you know, it is also a feather in the cap, as they say, of the department and of the faculty and of the university”.

Prof Conradie grew up in Stellenbosch, surrounded by the Jonkershoek mountains, which profoundly impacted his appreciation for nature and the importance of protecting the environment.

“We moved there after my father died when I was four. I learned, I think in my early years, to appreciate something of the beauty of the Stellenbosch environment, you know, the Jonkershoek Mountains; very regularly we’d walk there. 

“And I often describe my growing-up years in high school and at university as discovering that the rest of the world isn't quite as beautiful. And I'm referring to the inequality in Stellenbosch, the politics associated with that, and also the impact of industrial capitalism, if you like, on the rest of the environment,” said Prof Conradie.

That contrast, between beauty and ugliness, has motivated Prof Conradie in his work. 

Moving to UWC in 1993, initially as a contract lecturer in the Theology Department, was a natural continuation, where he found a way to complement the work of his colleagues, particularly in the fields of liberation theology, Black Theology, Feminist Theology, etc. 

“So I found that ecotheology, which is the area in which I'm working, is able to complement what they are doing without trying to repeat or to position myself as a leading scholar in any of those fields, which I would not be able to do with any degree of authenticity,” said Prof Conradie.

Since completing his PhD in 1991, and after he started at UWC, he was looking for new areas of research, so he began working in the field of hermeneutics, which is the theory of interpretation, along with ecology as a theologian.

“I tried to think through the various aspects of the Christian faith in relation to ecological concerns, because of what is known as the critique of Christianity, the ecological critique of Christianity, saying, it's really part and parcel of the problem.” 

Speaking on ecological destruction, Prof Conradie said the World Council of Churches had, as far back as 1975, already spoken, at an assembly in Nairobi, Kenya, where it coined the phrase: “Towards a Just, Participatory, and Sustainable Society”.

“I think that helped people all over the world to recognise that ecological destruction and inequality, economic inequality, and economic injustice are associated with that, and violent forms of conflict, domestic conflict, but also international conflict. These three concerns cannot be separated from one another,” said Prof Conradie.

In response to the award, UWC Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Robert Balfour said: “We are incredibly proud of Prof Ernst Conradie for receiving one of the highest possible ratings in South Africa’s scientific research assessment system. This outstanding achievement is a testament to his sustained contribution to the fields of religion and theology, as well as dedication to academic excellence. His work not only elevates the reputation of our university but also enriches our position in relation to global scholarly discourse. This recognition is well-deserved, and we look forward to Prof Conradie’s continued role in upholding UWC’s commitment to excellence in research.”