From left: Prof Landsburg, Dr Ngwenya, Prof Jhazbhay, Prof Moeketsi, Prof Molamu, HE Ambassador Nhlapo and Mr Maloka
|
There is a success story in Africa. One that teaches the rest of the world lessons on reconciliation, governance, clan emancipation and a land that stood against all odds. It was against this backdrop that high-profile speakers, government representatives, industry and invited guests assembled to celebrate the book launch of Somaliland: an African struggle for nationhood and international recognition by Prof Iqbal Jhazbhay.
The launch took place on Thursday 11 March 2010 in the Senate Hall on the Muckleneuk Campus. Prof Jhazbhay of Unisa’s Department of Religious Studies and author of the book, who also celebrated his birthday on the day, marked the launch of the first single-authored South African academic text on Somaliland.
"The book carries elements of nation building. It integrates political and legal issues while tactfully addressing the claim of recognition. One is drawn to how it contributes to the broader picture. We can all learn from it. It gives us insight into the problems that are often ignored. I thank (Prof) Iqbal for bringing this book to life," said HE Ambassador Nhlapo, South African President Jacob Zuma’s advisor on peace and security, in an interview prior to the evening’s proceedings.
HE Ambassador Nhlapo then proceeded to read the speech of the Hon Minister Collins Chabane, Minister in the Presidency, South Africa, who could unfortunately not attend. He praised Prof Jhazbhay for documenting the history of the African continent.
Dr Nomfundo Ngwenya, Head of South African Foreign Policy, South African Institute of International Affairs (SAIIA), praised the book and the author for his rigour, robustness, research excellence and resilience. She conveyed her gratitude and assured the author that this book would encourage many young researchers like herself to venture into yet unrecorded territory.
According to the book’s foreword, written by Prof Ali Muzrui, Albert Schweitzer Professor in Humanities, Binghamton University: "This study contributes significantly to our understanding not only of Somaliland, but of the predicament of the Somali people as a whole… a major scholarly success." In a book review by Prof Hussein Adam, Founding President of the Somali Studies International Association (SSIA), "the book is unequivocally commended."
In closure, Prof Jhazbhay responded to the questions raised by the speakers, thanked Unisa and all those present, and continued to describe the intricate notions of the Other that he learnt while documenting this book over a period of six years. "All in all, I tried to represent the 'un-representable'. Let us begin a dialogue," he added. The evening was concluded with a poem entitled "Wholeness – That is All!" |
