Albert Coetsee lives through his faith

Do everything as well as you can to the glory of God and for the sake of others. This is the motto 34-year-old Albert Coetsee lives by, and it is one that has stood him in good stead while he has forged a career as a renowned Theology lecturer at the North-West University (NWU).

Albert has the rare distinction of having obtained all his degrees – a total of six – cum laude at the North-West University. These degrees include a PhD in New Testament in 2013. 

His time as student at the NWU was filled with enjoyment as he traversed the path to his vocation: “Studying, laughing and growing with friends are my best memories. I thoroughly enjoyed my years at the NWU, and look back on them fondly. I served on the Academic Student Association of the Faculty of Theology for a number of years, also as chairperson. I also enjoyed competing in different sports, first for my town residence, and later for the faculty. My years at the NWU had a major influence on who I am today. Moreover, they enabled me to obtain the necessary skills to do the work I do today.”

Albert is currently a senior lecturer in Old Testament at the Faculty of Theology of the NWU and the Theological School of the Reformed Churches in South Africa.

“My job entails teaching a number of modules to contact and distance students, doing research, guiding postgraduate students in their studies and being involved with community engagement. I love the contact with students, especially to see them grow.”

Energetic, thorough and cheerful, that is Albert Coetsee. These are also the virtues that led to him receiving the Rapport Faculty Award for Inspirational Education as the most inspiring lecturer in the Faculty of Theology in 2010. The award included R50 000 in prize money.

His recipe for success? “Hard work, a wonderful support team that includes family, friends and colleagues, enjoying what I do, and the grace of God.”