Institute for Social and Health Sciences (ISHS)

Aesthetics, freedom and the political Imaginary: creative expression in a time of global crisis

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The Institute for Social and Health Sciences (ISHS) housed at Unisa’s College of Human Sciences hosted the 17th Annual Peace, Safety and Human Rights Memorial Lecture on 29 October 2022. This was done together with Professor Thenjiwe Meyiwa, Unisa Vice-Principal: Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation and Professor Zethu Nkosi, Acting Executive Dean: College of Human Sciences in collaboration with the Psychological Society of South Africa and the Pan-African Psychology Union. 

The Lecture Series, which continuously evolves, seeks to highlight the new frontiers and challenges facing the culture of democracy, peace, safety and human rights in South Africa and globally, said Chair of the event, Professor Shahnaaz Suffla (Unisa ISHS, PsySSA).

The Series is held in memory of the late Abdullah 'Dullah' Mohamed Omar and Joe Moabi, and the annual event has been endorsed by the Omar and Moabi families. Omar and Moabi fought a vigilant and uncompromising war against inequality and oppression. Their legacies are reminders that the fight against oppression and tyranny is never over and that society is required to constantly renew its commitment to the cause of development, equality and freedom.

The series, which over the years has ensured plural and collective forms of engagement, has been forged in the flames of their legacies, and, as such, seeks to emblazon the agencies of peace, safety, human rights and social justice for all. The series aims to deepen understanding of freedom and prepare society meaningfully to implement the ideals of democracy.

The theme for this year’s lecture was Aesthetics, freedom and the political Imaginary: creative expression in a time of global crisis. Panellists included Professor Urmitapa Dutta (University of Massachusetts Lowell); Ongezwa Mbele (University of KwaZulu Natal); Jasmine Thomas-Girvan (Independent Artist); and Dr Paola Balla (Victoria University). The respondent was Zoe Samudzi (University of Johannesburg).

Additionally, Professor Nkosi addressed the attendees on behalf of the College of Human Sciences; Mrs Rahmat Omar spoke on behalf of the Omar family; Mr Griffith Zabala spoke on behalf of the Moabi family; and Professor Saths Cooper (President: Pan-African Psychology Union) provided the closing remarks.

Click here to watch the lecture:

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Publish date: 2022-11-24 00:00:00.0

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