41 Department of Religion Studies Teaching: UG: Our UG student numbers have dropped significantly since 2020. I could not detect a specific problem or reason for the decline. However, in 2021 we have launched a rigorous campaign to advertise Religion as a subject. We will only see the results in 2022, but got already feedback from students that it’s the first time they understand what Religion as a subject entails, where it fits in and how can Religion be compared with other subjects in the Humanities. The lecturers and tutors were dedicated to their online lecturing responsibilities during the lockdown, and I can conclude that our UG teaching was highly successful. The average passing rate for REL 1-3 is more than 80%, which is a substantial improvement from 2020. Hons: Our Hons student numbers have also declined from 12 in 2020 to 10 in 2021. However, all students have passed all their Hons modules and we hope to harvest a few of them for MA studies for 2022. We have also advertised the Hons programme by making a video and visually explaining what the Hons programme offers. There was also positive feedback on the video and especially the elucidation from lecturers and students. SLP: Three SLPs have been introduced in 2021: one in the 1st semester and two in the 2nd semester. These SLPs are accredited for the Hons programme. We have 6 applications for sem 1 and 2 applications for sem 2 for 2022. After completing these SLPs, students will be allowed to register for the remaining Hons modules. Research: Prof. Hankela and Dr. Nishimwe hosted every Friday a reading and writing group for Ms and Ds. This will be extended and intensified in 2022 to three writing retreats to support PGs to advance in their research and eventually to complete their dissertations and theses in the minimum time allocated. I have also introduced in sem 1 an online seminar series for all Hons students to discuss topics and the initial planning of the Hons research essays. Most of our essays are done in the 2nd sem but this leads to students that either submit poorly researched and written essays or are not ready to submit by 31 Oct. The result of the monthly seminar was that Hons students have done already their initial research by July to continue with their supervisors in the 2nd sem. We have also established a dept bursary of R200 000 to support deserving students. Conferences and Seminars: We have hosted the virtual conference of the ASRSA (Association for the Study of Religion in SA) in September. Dr Clementine Nishimwe read a paper at the conference and was elected treasurer for a second term. During the New Testament Society of SA Conference at the end of October, I delivered a main paper, and two of my students Mr Zukile Ngqeza (PhD) and Mr Kabel Motasa (MA) have also read papers. Dr Mathee also will also read a paper at a virtual International Conference on “The Madrasah and Modern Academy” (14-16 Dec). Our PG students presented 5 webinars in the 2nd sem. PG student and staff webinars will continue in 2022. Joint programs with international institutions: Dr. Mathee is in collaboration with Markfield Institute of Higher Education (Leicester); Prof. Hankela and Dr. Nishimwe are involved in an international xenophobia group based in SA; Dr. Nishimwe participated in a Decolonising Academic Publication Workshop (Department of History Durham University; UK); She was also awarded the Fellowship opportunity by the Cardinal Onaiyekan Foundation for Peace (COFP), in collaboration with the Nile University, Religions for PeaceInternational Women’s Coordinating Committee (IWCC)- Abuja Nigeria in partnership with the Germany Embassy in Nigeria. I am the editor of an international conference proceeding that includes STUDIES
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