 From left: Prof Pityana, Judge Ngoepe, Mrs Bopape & Mr C Mathale, Premier of Limpopo
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Unisa launches the Es’kia Mphahlele Memorial Lecture
Unisa's North Eastern Region launched the Es’kia Mphahlele Memorial Lecture at the Ranch Hotel in Polokwane on 9 October 2009. The region was ably assisted by the Department of Corporate Communication and Marketing in planning and staging the event.
The Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barney Pityana, delivered the welcome address, while Unisa's Chancellor, Judge Bernard Ngoepe, delivered the keynote address. In his address, the Chancellor noted that the late Prof Es’kia Mphahlele was a deeply "insightful, intelligent and influential commentator" on a variety of social issues.
The glittering event was well attended and the guests included the Premier of Limpopo Province, Mr Cassel Mathale, academics from other institutions of higher learning, and leaders from business and civic society.
In his address, the Premier noted that during the fight for justice and equality in the country many weapons were used and that the late Prof Es’kia Mphahlele had chosen to use his God given intellect as his primary weapon to fight for social justice.
Held under the theme "The African writer as a prophet and social critic in contemporary times", the launch was a precursor to a series of annual lectures to come. The purpose of the annual lecture is to honour an eminent alumnus of the university, and to uphold Es’kia Mphahlele’s legacy and contribution to the literary and social discourse in South Africa and the world at large.
The programme for the event was directed by Prof TS Maluleke, while entertainment was provided by the well known musician, Sello Galane, and some traditional dance groups. |
