On November 4, 2024, scholars, researchers, activists, thinkers, and artists will gather at the University of Johannesburg for an significant one-day colloquium titled “South Africa Reflects: 30 Years of Democracy” followed by a reception at Gallery MOMO.
The one-day colloquium reflects on South Africa’s fight for freedom and discusses the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. The event will also celebrate the launch of the book series, “30 Years of Democracy in South Africa,” which explores the country’s journey since the end of apartheid.
Taking place from 9 AM to 3:45 PM SAST at the University of Johannesburg’s Bunting Road Campus, the colloquium will be followed by an evening reception at Gallery MOMO from 5 PM to 7 PM SAST. You can register to attend the event on Eventbrite here, or visit the colloquium webpage.
Co-organised by Skotaville, UNISA Press, Gallery MOMO, University of Johannesburg, Routledge Books, Third World Quarterly (TWQ) and Global Souths Hub, the event aims to foster an engaging dialogue about South Africa’s past and future.
The first session will be led by the series editors, Abebe Zegeye (Centre of Research and Development in Learning, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia) and Beth le Roux (University of Pretoria), who will introduce the book series and its aims. Professor Abebe Zegeye explains why they developed the book series. “Professor Le Roux and I have prepared this series of reprinted key texts on the South African transition from apartheid to democracy with a particular regard for those generations who were born after 1994. We do not claim to have privileged knowledge, but rather our aim is to introduce the world to writings from those who are on the ‘margins’ of knowledge production in the Global South.”
Following this, a panel discussion featuring prominent South African scholars from diverse fields, including arts, history, media, and politics, will provide insights into future prospects and opportunities for South Africa.
Attendees can look forward to lightning talks from key editors of major South African journals (including Journal of Contemporary African Studies, African Studies Journal and South Africa Journal of International Affairs) and The Conversation Africa Chief Editor, discussing the future directions of scholarly knowledge production and public engagement.
The day will conclude with a reception featuring refreshments and a presentation by Thembinkosi Goniwe, a renowned South African visual artist and curator at MOMO.
Register for the event here.
Confirmed panellists and chairs include:
June Bam-Hutchison, Sociology and History Education, University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Divine Fuh, Director of the Institute for Humanities Africa (HUMA), University of Cape Town
Thembinkosi Goniwe, an art historian, curator, and writer, Rhodes University, MOMO
Derilene (Dee) Marco, Senior Lecturer in Media Studies, University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
Dilip Menon, Professor of International Relations, University of the Witwatersrand (WITS)
Bhaso Ndzendze, Associate Professor of Politics and IR, University of Johannesburg (UJ)
Thula Simpson, Associate Professor of History, University of Pretoria
Raymond Suttner, an independent scholar and social and political analyst.
Jabulani Sikhakhane, Chief Editor of The Conversation Africa
Nthabiseng Motsemme (UJ), Journal of Contemporary African Studies
Dina Ligaga (WITS), Eastern African Literary and Cultural Studies
Candice Moore (WITS), African Studies
Martha Bridgman, South Africa Journal of International Affairs
Lisa Otto (UJ) African Security Review
Tarminder Kaur (UJ) Anthropology Southern Africa
Janet Remmington, Global Portfolio Director – Humanities and Social Sciences International
