Change the world
Chair in Identities and Social Cohesion in Africa
Marthie Momberg (1958) completed her PhD in Theology at Stellenbosch University in 2017. She also holds an MA degree in Afrikaans and Dutch Literature (1988) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Higher Education (1976). She is currently Post-Doctoral Fellow at the Nelson Mandela University, as well as Research Fellow at the Beyers Naudé Centre for Public Theology and at the Unit for Moral Leadership of Stellenbosch University. Her former contributions in the educational, corporate, and not-for-profit sectors have received various national and international awards. As Post-Doctoral Fellow she received an Award for Exceptional Achievement from Stellenbosch University in 2020. She is Honorary Member and Fellow of the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership, member of the Golden Key International Honour Society and serves on the Theology Committee of Global Kairos for Justice.
Synopsis of Postdoctoral Study
Title: Christianity and the Shifting of Perceptions on Zionism: An Ethical-Theological Study of South African Church Positions on Justice for Palestinians
In the absence of an index on if, how and to which extent South African churches position themselves in relation to Zionism and the oppression of the Palestinians, Marthie initiated an ethical-theological study of South African church positions on justice for Palestinians in 2022. The core question she investigates is how, if at all, South African denominations position themselves in relation to the calls by Palestinian Christians to resist Israel’s oppression through the “logic of love”. In the attempt to construct knowledge, she studies statements and resolutions of South African churches and those of global church bodies that have bearing on local policies. Her work is informed by the desire for critical discernment in the quest for scientific, spiritual and moral integrity and leadership. She is the author of three books as well as several peer-reviewed publications and opinion editorials in the mainstream media.