Dr. Pumla Gobodo-Madikizela, a distinguished clinical psychologist and academic at Stellenbosch University (SU), has been awarded the 2024 Templeton Prize in recognition of her profound contributions to the fields of trauma, forgiveness, and reconciliation. The Templeton Prize, accompanied by a $1.3 million grant, is one of the largest global awards, celebrating individuals whose work explores life’s spiritual dimensions through rigorous scholarship.

Established in 1972 by investor and philanthropist Sir John Templeton, the prize honours living individuals who have made exceptional contributions to affirming life’s spiritual dimension. Dr. Gobodo-Madikizela’s selection underscores her pioneering research into understanding and addressing the legacies of trauma and violence, particularly within post-apartheid South Africa.

Dr. Gobodo-Madikizela holds the South African Research Chair (SARChI) for Violent Histories and Historical Trauma at SU and is the founding director of the Centre for the Study of the Afterlife of Violence and the Reparative Quest (AVReQ). Her groundbreaking work has focused on forgiveness and reconciliation dynamics, examining how communities heal following national atrocities and violence. She played a significant role in South Africa’s Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), serving on the Human Rights Violations Committee.

Expressing gratitude for the award, Dr. Gobodo-Madikizela described it as a “rare gift” that will advance her research and support emerging scholars. She emphasized the importance of understanding violent histories across generations and the complexities of communal and individual repair.

“I am deeply honoured to receive the Templeton Prize,” said Dr. Gobodo-Madikizela. “It provides a unique opportunity to further our research on violent histories and their long-term impacts, and to support the next generation of scholars in this vital field.”

In a philanthropic gesture, Dr Gobodo-Madikizela has committed $429,000 of the prize money to initiatives at Stellenbosch University:

- $267,000 will establish an endowment scholarship in honour of her parents, Nobantu and Tukela Gobodo.
- $54,000 will support the SUNRISE program, aiding the development of future academic leaders.
- $107,000 will be allocated to AVReQ to further research the reparative quest following violence.

This award adds to Dr. Gobodo-Madikizela’s accolades, including the prestigious Harry Oppenheimer Fellowship Award in 2020. Her work continues to inspire and shape the discourse on forgiveness, addressing historical injustices, and fostering reconciliation globally.

 

Article by RB Correspodent

Photo/John Templeton webpage

https://www.templeton.org/news/dr-pumla-gobodo-madikizela-receives-2024-templeton-prize