Writer: Thami John | Artwork: Blessing Ngobeni
On 4 November 2024, the University of Johannesburg’s Bunting Road Campus will host a powerful and provocative colloquium, “South Africa Reflects: 30 Years of Democracy.” This event is no mere commemoration; it’s an urgent call to engage, challenge, and confront the unfinished business of democracy in South Africa. For those who care about the future of this nation and its ideals, this is a gathering you cannot afford to miss.
The one-day event assembles an impressive mix of scholars, activists, and artists, each examining the legacy of South Africa’s democratic journey while probing the path that lies ahead. More than an academic exercise, this is a forum to confront the critical issues that South Africa faces—glaring economic disparities, political upheavals, and the ongoing struggle to fulfil the promises of liberation. Lit.Culture Books will be on-site, curating literature that captures South Africa’s complex history, from colonial roots to contemporary realities, providing essential context for these crucial conversations.
Keynote: Nomboniso Gasa on Gender, Land, and Politics
The event opens with a keynote by Nomboniso Gasa, a trailblazing feminist and political thinker renowned for her unflinching work in gender justice and social transformation. Her insights on politics, cultural heritage, and equality will set an uncompromising tone for the day, introduced by UNISA Press and Skotaville Press, whose presence underscores the vital role of publishing in shaping societal discourse.
Perspectives on Democracy: 30 Years and Counting
The highlight of the day, “30 Years of Democracy and Beyond: South African Thinkers Reflect,” brings together thought leaders such as June Bam-Hutchison (University of Johannesburg), Dilip Menon (University of the Witwatersrand), and Divine Fuh (University of Cape Town). These speakers will dissect the shifting terrain of South African democracy, offering a candid look at its achievements, failures, and future. This isn’t just a reflection; it’s a reckoning with South Africa’s place on the global stage. Complementing the academic discourse, Dr. Thembinkosi Goniwe, a celebrated art historian, will host an evening reception at Gallery MOMO, where contemporary South African art will provide a dynamic backdrop for further discussion.
Future Directions: Scholarship and Society in Dialogue
The day concludes with “30 Years of Democracy: Provocations and Directions for Scholarship,” a session that shifts focus towards the future. Editors of prominent journals, including Jabulani Sikhakhane, Chief Editor of The Conversation Africa, and Nthabiseng Motsemme (University of Johannesburg, Journal of Contemporary African Studies), will illuminate the pressing issues in South African scholarship and its role in global debates on democracy and justice. This is not simply an academic dialogue; it’s a rallying cry for intellectuals and citizens alike to shape the future of democratic thought and practice.
An Unmissable Moment to Reflect and Reimagine
This colloquium is more than a chance to reflect; it’s an imperative to reimagine. As South Africa grapples with unprecedented challenges, this gathering stands as a reminder that democracy is not a milestone but a movement. It demands our attention, our critique, and our commitment to build a society that refuses complacency, that fights for justice, and that honours the revolutionary ideals of its founding. South Africa Reflects is not just a conversation; it’s a call to action. Join us, and be part of the generation that defines democracy anew.
REGISTER NOW: https://bit.ly/4hrGXdP
