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11

M U T

S P I R I T

/ /

S E P T E M B E R 2 0 2 0

Spiritual support

during the

lockdown

Dr TT Poswa, who heads the Department of

Environmental Health and is also one of the University’s

chaplains, has been a major part of our support system

during the lockdown. Being technologically savvy has

helped him provide valuable spiritual support through

various digital channels.

These include: WhatsApp where he uses status postings

and dedicated broadcast groups to deliver uplifting

messages to nearly 3 000 contacts; LinkedIn where he

has over 1 550 followers; Facebook where he has 900

friends and a number of groups; and a block posting

on WordPress for followers with email subscriptions

(accessible at

https://tonops.wordpress.com)

.

“Initially, I was posting spiritual and philosophical

messages monthly. Some of my followers requested

more frequent postings. I then introduced weekly

devotionals. Still there were requests for more. I

then structured my postings to be three times a

week and I arranged to cover a 52-week series on

Mondays; leadership insights on Wednesdays; and

general thought-provoking insights on life on Fridays.

I also post general postings as and when a need

arises, especially if there is a need to contribute to

an important memorable event. During level 5 of the

lockdown, I posted daily,” said Dr Poswa.

Dr Poswa has built up his database over many years.

“This has led many to consult me as a resource

whenever they need to contact others,” he said. His

involvement in multi-sectoral settings exposes him

to a diverse network ranging from academia to the

church environment and community activities.

Whenaskedwhatskillshelphimmosttomanagerelations

with his digital followers, he cites communication, book

writing skills and an ability to reflect philosophically on

ideas. It is his deep love for building others up that gives

him joy in doing what he does.

“I therefore feel compelled to share something to touch

other people’s lives. Regular postings are a ministry

for me. I have an inner drive that inspires me to carry

on with the ministry of writing and sharing ideas. I get

agitated if I fail to do it and will be compelled to do

it even in the middle of the night. The messages get

downloaded in me and I pass them as they come. It’s

a mystery that I find hard to tell to anyone or convince

others about how it happens.

“I get fulfilled learning that many lives are positively

touched. It feels good to receive some feedback from

the young and the old; from people playing different

important roles; the noble and the ordinary that say:

‘Excellent advice’

‘I needed to hear this message today’

‘This is God speaking to me’

‘This is wisdom personified’

‘Glory be to God for these profound, challenging

and transformational truths’

‘Thank you for these powerful teachings that build

us, please have courage to continue’

‘Powerful words indeed, thank you so much for

sharing. Somehow, God allows his people to speak

the same language, have the same thoughts and

empower each other without meeting to discuss

events in one’s life…interesting’

“Thanks TT for these lessons, they are of good

help, if they can be followed and put to practice.

God bless you’.

Dr Thobile Poswa, HOD,

Environmental Health