From the VC’s Desk
Africa Month commemoration events at UCT
06 May 2022 | VC Prof Mamokgethi Phakeng
Dear colleagues and students
We are a few days into Africa Month, which is commemorated annually in May. To celebrate the 20th anniversary of the African Union (AU), the University of Cape Town (UCT) and the Faculty of Humanities will host a series of events during the month.
The first in this series is a public lecture to be hosted with the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO), which will be addressed by Minister Naledi Pandor under the theme “Africa in 2063: Removing obstacles to prosperity”.
Date: Thursday, 12 Tuesday, 17 May 2022 *
Venue: Lecture Theatre 1, Kramer Law Building, Middle Campus UCT GSB Conference Centre
Time: 17:30 for 18:00 SAST
* This event was initially scheduled to take place on 12 May but has been rescheduled to take place on 17 May. Please note the change of venue.
- Please register for the public lecture.
In collaboration with the International Jazz Day South Africa (IJDSA), UCT will also host a two-part panel discussion centered around the theme “Language and music as agents of liberation and continental integration.”
Date: Thursday, 26 May 2022
Venue: Baxter Theatre, Lower Campus
- 10:00-12:00 SAST – Panel Discussion 1
The contemporary role of Kiswahili - 14:00-16:00 SAST – Panel Discussion 2
Celebrating the legacy of Miriam Makeba - Register to attend the panel discussion sessions.
This joint initiative is aimed at acknowledging the amalgamation of African ideals and values which formed the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) in May 1963, now the AU, as well as its successes. It will also serve to further explore the role of language and music in liberating and integrating the continent.
The language panel discussion, which will feature eminent scholars, will contemplate the contemporary role of Kiswahili for integration on the continent. In addition, the IJDSA will host a master class for Cape Town school learners at the South African College of Music.
The music panel discussion will feature prominent artists and academics who will examine and celebrate the legacy of Miriam Makeba in the year of what would have been her 90th birthday. It will also feature a special musical tribute. The panel discussion is arranged around the theme, “Jazz’s contribution to the struggles for liberation on the continent: celebrating Miriam Makeba’s legacy”. Music plays a crucial role in fostering shared identity and social integration.
An exciting line-up of insightful expert panellists is being finalised and will be shared via the university’s other formal communication channels.
It is envisioned that these discussions will contribute meaningfully to discourse of a decolonial and integrated African society.
These will be a hybrid series of events, enabling the participation of a wider UCT community as well as interested members of the public.
We look forward to having you at both events in celebration of Africa Month.
Sincerely
Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng
Vice-Chancellor
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