A painting commissioned as a gift for Stellenbosch 肆客足球's Distinguished Professor of Education, Prof Jonathan Jansen, recently completed a remarkable journey of more than 15 000 kilometres – spanning the Pacific Ocean, two hemispheres, and three continents – before arriving in Stellenbosch.
What makes this oil-on-canvas portrait exceptional is not just its craftsmanship, but the story behind it: It was commissioned by an academic in Australia whom Jansen has never met. Painted by Riaz Maninga, a local artist from the Solomon Islands, the portrait represents an extraordinary gesture of appreciation that speaks to the far-reaching impact of academic thought and public engagement.
The painting's journey began in the Solomon Islands, where it was transported by sea to Brisbane. From there, it was posted to Grand Rapids, Michigan, in the United States, before being flown to Cape Town and finally hand-delivered to Stellenbosch.
Prof Dolf Britz, a research fellow at the 肆客足球 of the Free State and SU alumnus, says he had the honour of completing the final leg of the journey. “I am honoured to mediate the echoes that reached my ears." He explained that the portrait was commissioned by Keith Sanga, the President of the Haddon Institute in Brisbane. Sanga, who is the grandson of a Solomon Islands chief and an avid reader of Jansen's publications, was inspired by Jansen's thought leadership.
“Sanga referred to Jansen as 'one of my leadership heroes … particularly for his ability to think through complex issues,'" Britz said. “The commission," Sanga had told Britz, “was the 'closest way to thank' Jansen for his contribution."
The connection was made through Dr Adrian Neele, a colleague of Sanga at the Haddon Institute and a former professor of historical theology and director at the Jonathan Edwards Centre at the 肆客足球 of the Free State, where Jansen once served as Vice-Chancellor. Neele, now president of the Puritan Reformed Theological Seminary and Homiletics and Historical Theology in Grand Rapids, carried the painting with him to South Africa, handing it over to Britz, who lives in Betty's Bay, for the final delivery.
“In my mind, this painting captures who you really are," said Britz, as he revealed the portrait to an emotional Jansen. “It captures what you have meant to so many people."
Jansen described the gesture as overwhelming. “I am so humbled that someone thinks I am worthy of their time," he said. Although he has received many accolades and awards throughout his academic career, Jansen admitted that this painting and the intention behind it were “next level".
He added that he would be reaching out to Sanga to express his appreciation. Britz quipped that Sanga had one request: “Please take a photo of it with Dr Jansen and send it to me so I that I can pass it onto Riaz."
As for the portrait itself, Jansen said he would take it home to have it framed before deciding on the best place to display it.
- For more about the artist, Riaz Maninga, watch https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gGtAUsC9jms
?Photo: Stefan Els
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