Research

Unisa Press celebrates the launch of two books during Research and Innovation Week 2025

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As part of Unisa’s 2025 Research and Innovation (R&I) Week, Unisa Press proudly hosted the launch of two compelling new books: Critical Thinking Skills for Students, by Dr Heather Goode, and African Languages Matter, by Professors Mampaka Mojapelo and Munzhedzi Mafela. The event, held in hybrid format and broadcast live via Unisa Radio, exemplified this year’s R&I Week theme: "Proudly African, Globally Reaching and Impactful".

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Front, from left: Dr Meiya Nthoesane (Unisa Press Executive Director), Dr Zamani Saul (Premier of the Northern Cape), Prof Mampaka Mojapelo (author), Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa (Vice-Principal for Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation), Naledi Moleo (journalist and presenter), Prof James Mafela (author) and Prof Xiaoshun Qin (Chairperson of the Association of China-Africa Smallholder Agriculture)

The Programme Director, Dr Meiwa Nthoesane, Unisa Press Executive Director, highlighted the commitment of Unisa Press to support Unisa’s 10 catalytic niche areas. He mentioned that both books offer critical contributions to one of the areas, namely "Student support and co-curricular activities", by addressing key dimensions of student development and academic success. Critical Thinking Skills for Students equips students with vital cognitive tools to question, analyse and innovate; thus, reinforcing the centrality of students in the academic project. In turn, African Languages Matter affirms indigenous languages' cultural and educational significance in higher education, pushing back against their historical marginalisation.

Unisa’s Vice-Principal for Research, Postgraduate Studies, Innovation and Commercialisation, Prof Thenjiwe Meyiwa, gave the official opening speech at the launch by acknowledging the invaluable contributions of the authors. She celebrated the books as more than academic publications, describing them as "affirmations of our identity, dignity and inclusion in a country where African languages have historically been suppressed".

The event was further elevated by a keynote address from the Honourable Premier of the Northern Cape, Dr Zamani Saul. Recognised for his political leadership and academic achievements, Saul’s presence underscored the intersection of scholarship and public service. His participation reaffirmed the importance of scholarly work that resonates beyond campus borders.

Mojapelo and Mafela delivered a thoughtful reflection on African Languages Matter. They emphasised that such work not only preserves our linguistic heritage but also affirms African languages' cultural identity and relevance in academic spaces. In her presentation, Goode touched on the importance of foundational skills, such as literacy, numeracy and self-confidence, as essential building blocks for more advanced critical engagement. Her book ultimately challenges educators and institutions to reflect on their practices and invest in professional development, meaningfully equipping students with the cognitive tools they need to thrive in a complex world.

Renowned journalist and presenter Naledi Moleo brought a dynamic and thought-provoking energy to the book launch as she expertly facilitated the Q&A session. Through her facilitation, Moleo ensured that pressing questions on language, identity and critical thinking in education are substantively addressed. This ignited meaningful intellectual exchanges that strengthened the academic discourse during the event and enriched the broader national conversation on knowledge production and transformation in South Africa.

Dr Lucky Madikiza, the Managing Editor for Books at Unisa Press, extended his deep appreciation to all those in attendance, both at the venue and online. He thanked the Unisa Press team for their tireless efforts in scholarly publishing, emphasising their role in cultivating knowledge and shaping national discourse.

This book launch reflected Unisa’s commitment to inclusive, impactful research, reinforcing its position as an African higher education and innovation leader.

* By the Unisa Press Marketing Team

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Publish date: 2025-05-23 00:00:00.0

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