Humanities student conference at UL propels intellectual discourse on South Africa’s post-democracy landscape
Students at the University of Limpopo (UL) recently showcased their research papers during a student conference in the Humanities and Social Sciences themed, ‘Reflecting on the state of South Africa 30 years after the transition to democracy’
Organised by the University’s Departments of Cultural and Political Studies, Sociology and Anthropology, the two-day session addressed a spectrum of critical issues including gender, race, inequality, constitutionality, economic growth, social justice and international relations. The contextual framework for each topic was in terms of decolonisation curricula and liberation. Emphasising theoretical reflections on curriculum changes in the post-colonial South Africa and globally, the conference aimed to provide necessary context ahead of the upcoming national elections planned for May 29, 2024.
The conference sought to not only attract scholarly discourse but also solicit papers examining the transformations within South African academic spaces since the student protests of ‘Rhodes must fall in 2015/16’. With an eye on the 30-year journey post-democracy, students were encouraged to engage deeply, recognising their imminent role as voters.
Distinguished researchers, including Prof Chris Malikane, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of the Witwatersrand, shared insights about his research work. Prof Malikane’s research highlighted the persistent economic disparities in South Africa, stressing the alarming concentration of wealth amongst a few, predominantly white, leaving a significant portion of the population in debt and without assets.
“In South Africa, there are approximately 60 million people, yet only 3500 individuals, mostly white, hold wealth equivalent to what 32 million people own. This concentration of ownership is imbalanced. Ideally, 90% of the public should hold significant wealth of the republic as opposed to the current situation where half of the population owns nothing. Additionally, over 17.7 million Africans are critically indebted, exacerbating the situation,” Prof Malikane explained.
Prof Chitja Twala, Professor of History at UL, echoed sentiments of fostering revolutionary change through intellectual discourse, drawing inspiration from the work of Sekou Toure, the President of Guinea. Prof Twala emphasised the importance of engaging with South Africa’s complex and often controversial history, viewing it as a mosaic of interconnected narratives that shape the present and future.
“I believe that UL is embarking on a revolution of its own by encouraging students to engage on a scholarly level and share their ideas. In this context, our ‘revolution’ refers to fostering change and innovation through intellectual discourse,” Prof Twala stated.
Student perspectives were equally enlightening. Pearl Sadiki, a third-year student enrolled for Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Cultural Studies, emphasised the necessity of delving deeper into African origins to address contemporary challenges. “I have noticed that we are steps behind in understanding our Afrocentric ideas, and much of our knowledge is derived from Europe ideas,” she commented.
Neo Nkoane, a final-year Bachelor of Arts student, majoring in Cultural Studies, passionately presenting his paper on gender equality and the radical application of feminism at the humanities student sonference
Meanwhile, Thapelo Nkoane, also a Cultural Studies student, tackled the enduring struggle of gender and racial inequality post-apartheid, advocating for a multifaceted approach rooted in radical feminism.
“Black women were shackled by a triple yoke of oppression during the apartheid era, enduring systemic discrimination based on race, gender, and socioeconomic status. This triple burden of oppression denied them agency, dignity, and opportunities for advancement, perpetuating cycles of poverty and marginalisation,” Nkoane explained.
The conference also featured Prof Percy More’s book launch titled ‘Noel Chabani Manganyi: Being-While-Black-and Alienated in Apartheid South Africa’, which explores concepts of race, anti-black racism, and the problem of human alienation within the context of apartheid South Africa.
Prof Manganyi is distinguished as the first black clinical psychologist trained in South Africa, with a career spanning psychology, education, and civil service. In 1990, he assumed the role of Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the North, now UL.
Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UL, reflects on his predecessor, Prof Noel Chabani Manganyi, whose book launch celebrates his significant contribution to the field of psychology and education
Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of UL, who assumed leadership following Prof Manganyi’s tenure as VC of UL, expressed gratitude to Prof More for choosing his alma mater for the book launch, thereby immortalising the legacy of former Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Noel Chabani Manganyi. He emphasised, “As one of the country’s preeminent clinical psychologists and intellectuals, Prof Manganyi has rightfully secured his place in history.”
Prof Mokgalong lauded his predecessor’s interdisciplinary contributions, noting his ability to seamlessly integrate psychology and philosophy.
A student conference in the Humanities and Social Sciences also showcased the launch of Prof Percy More’s book titled ‘Noel Chabani Manganyi: Being-While-Black-and Alienated in Apartheid South Africa.’ Prof Manganyi, who became Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of the North (now UL), in 1990 is celebrated for his impactful legacy