College of Humanities and Mazisi Kunene Foundation Strengthen Ties

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The College of Humanities and the Mazisi Kunene Foundation have affirmed their commitment to working together by deciding to host an annual Public Lecture to highlight the role the late struggle icon played during the apartheid era.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities, Professor Cheryl Potgieter; Acting Dean for Research, Professor Donal McCracken; Acting Dean of the School of Arts, Professor Johannes Smit; School of Arts Academic Leader: Teaching and Learning, Professor Sihawu Ngubane; Head of UKZN Libraries, Dr Nora Buchanan and the College of Humanities Public Relations Manager, Ms Xoliswa Zulu, recently visited the museum.

The College of Humanities and the Foundation have a long standing relationship. In 2006, the Mazisi Kunene Chair within the then School of IsiZulu Studies was established and then in 2009, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was signed between the College and the Foundation in an effort to preserve Kunene’s work.

During the visit, the UKZN delegation was given a guided tour that included the viewing of Kunene’s literary works. The Kunene Museum was developed and founded in 2007 at the Kunene home in Glenwood in an effort to develop, preserve and promote the rich cultural archives of his writings.

Potgieter acknowledged the role Kunene played in the country’s struggle for freedom while also acknowledging the work his family had done since his death in 2006.

‘While the MOA was signed before my time, I am happy to continue working with the Foundation,’ said Potgieter. ‘I would like to affirm my commitment to hosting an annual Mazisi Kunene Public Lecture that will highlight his works and the role he played in the country. The person who will deliver the Lecture will be finalised soon,’ she said.

Mrs Mathabo Kunene thanked the College for the role it has played in continuing the legacy of her late husband. ‘I think this visit is particularly special because the team, including the DVC of Humanities, took the time to come and see and examine the manuscripts. I think for us, the museum is not only just four walls but is a museum because of the manuscripts and its relationship with UKZN. It’s very historic for us to build this relationship with UKZN.’

KwaZulu-Natal-born Kunene was one of Africa’s greatest poets and literary icons. He was a talented writer whose inspiration was the history of the Zulu people, the struggle against apartheid in South Africa and the oral tradition of African literature.

UKZNDabaOnline