Stellenbosch University
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Donation to the Vlakte scholarship fund
Author: Louis Jonker
Published: 29/11/2016

​The 22nd Congress of the International Organisation for the Study of the Old Testament (IOSOT) was held at Stellenbosch University in September 2016. It was the first time this organisation gathered on African soil. The congress was attended by 360 international and South African participants and papers of the highest quality were presented.

The congress took place in the Arts Building on the corner of Merriman and Ryneveld streets. An article explaining the history of Die Vlakte, based on research by Prof. Albert Grundlingh of the History department, was included in the congress book to inform delegates of the context in which this historic congress took place.

The IOSOT Steering Committee raised funds for the Congress through private donors, research grants and registration fees. Mainly due to the weakening rand, the registration fees (which were paid in Euros) resulted in a higher than expected return and a surplus of R60,000. The IOSOT steering committee donated the excess amount to the Vlakte scholarship fund.

In the picture the IOSOT president for 2013-2016, Prof. Johann Cook (emeritus professor of the SU Department of Ancient Studies, Faculty of Arts), and the conference secretary, Prof. Louis Jonker (SU Department of Old and New Testament, Faculty of Theology), present the cheque to Prof. Arnold Schoonwinkel, Vice-rector Teaching and Learning, and part of the management of the Vlakte scholarship fund.