Unisa online - The Enoch Sontonga Conference Complex officially opened

The Enoch Sontonga Conference Complex officially opened

Unisa honoured another South African hero this week when it officially opened the Enoch Sontonga Conference Complex on the Sunnyside campus.

Mr Sontonga, who died at the age of 32 in 1905, is a true son of Africa and one who will forever be cherished for writing the first verse and chorus, and for composing the music for South Africa’s national anthem, Nkosi Sikelel’ i Afrika.

Unisa's Principal and Vice-Chancellor, Prof Barney Pityana, said he was delighted to see this day come to light. He welcomed Mr Sontonga’s family and thanked them for allowing Unisa to honour their loved one. He said the name "Enoch Sontonga" was an appropriate one for the facility, because it was in line with the proposed purpose of the hall, namely to entertain Unisa staff, students and members of the community.

Dr N Thabazi Ntshinga, a senior lecturer in the Department of African Languages, began her speech by singing Unisa’s praises. She described the day as an important one, because Unisa was honouring a "great man".

Emeritus Professor, folksong arranger, choral composer and choir director, Prof Mzilikazi Khumalo, paid tribute to Mr Sontonga by telling guests about the songwriter’s life. He said that Mr Sontonga was born in the Eastern Cape and received training as a teacher at the Lovedale Institute. This was followed by him teaching at a Methodist Mission School in Nancefield, near Johannesburg. Mr Sontonga was also a choir master and photographer. He married Diana Mgqibisa, who died in 1929.

Prof Khumalo also traced the history of Nkosi Sikelel’ i Afrika. In 1925, the ANC adopted the song as a closing anthem for its meetings. He continued by saying that very little thought was given to Mr Sontonga and that only after a relative had spoken to former President Nelson Mandela that efforts were made to honour the composer. After months of hard work and dedication by the newly elected democratic government to locate Mr Sontonga’s grave proved successful, the grave was declared a national monument and a fitting memorial was unveiled on the site on 24 September 1996.

Chairperson of Unisa's Council, Dr Mathews Phosa, said Mr Sontonga’s legacy came from his heart and spirit, and that in his short lifetime he managed to achieve one of the most singular achievements of South African history. Dr Phosa commented that through the writing and composing of Nkosi Sikelel’ i Afrika, Mr Sontonga achieved a timeless iconic status. His memory transcends language and culture, as this song is recognised and sung in many parts of Africa. He continued by saying there was much justification in naming the hall after Mr Sontonga because it was linked to Unisa’s vision of being the African university in the service of humanity. Dr Phosa also commended Prof Pityana and said the many times the university has chosen to honour past heroes of the South African struggle would become a part of his legacy.

Mr Enoch Rabotapi, great grandson of Mr Sontonga, spoke on behalf of the family and said that although Mr Sontonga had lived a short life, his work still lives on - 50 years after his death, his work still has an impact on people’s lives.