Professor Russel Botman understood the importance of peace in all areas of life, and it was one of the most important aspects that featured in both his personal and professional life. One of the greatest examples of this from his life, would be the Western Province Council of Churches request for him to compile a list of guidelines that local congregations could use. This work was titled Totdat vrede en geretigheid ontmoet, ‘n uitdagings aan kerke en Christene, which was published in the year 1997.
The World Science Day for Peace and Development is celebrated on November 10th every year, and its aim is to ensure that all citizens across the globe are kept up to date regarding any scientific developments. In addition, this day also underscores the importance and relevance of science in our daily lives and, in some ways, echoes one of Professor Botmans favourite phrases, ‘put science behind society’.
The theme for 2021 is the ‘Future of STI: Impacts on Education, Skills, and Work’ and was chosen as a call to raise public awareness and increase appreciation of the impact science and its methods have on education, skills, and work.
Science plays a very important role in society by emphasizing the importance of scientists in broadening perspectives and understandings around the need to live in a more sustainable way for the sake of our fragile planet, and the ways in which we can continue to do so, and we believe that the university plays a big part in this. To create a society that supports this vision, Stellenbosch University needs to emphasize the importance of students studying within the Science Faculties and assist them in making a difference to the world by donating towards the completion of their degrees.
Play your part in supporting the sustainable future of our world, and these students, by donating to the Russel Botman Bursary Fund for young students.
