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M U T
S P I R I T
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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