UKZN hosts 3rd Annual Mafika Gwala Lecture

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Renowned South African poet, writer and activist Mongane Wally Serote delivered the third annual Mafika Gwala Lecture at UKZN.

Hosted by the College of Humanities together with South African History Online (SAHO) and the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences (NIHSS), the lecture coincided with the third anniversary of the death of Gwala and was part of a research programme led by SAHO to critically evaluate the role of the Arts in the struggle against apartheid.

The CEO of SAHO and good friend of Gwala, Mr Omar Badsha, says the lecture series seeks to ‘reclaim and popularise the work of Gwala and his contemporaries’ who he feels shaped the discourse on issues of race, gender and the aesthetic sensibility of so many of today’s artists.

Acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities Professor Stephen Mutula said the lecture was fitting as it dovetailed with the UKZN strategic plan in which research excellence and transformation were vital.

‘The lecture promoted transformative thinking and engaged with critical issues of transformation, social justice and equity. Gwala’s poems resonate with the current situation in South Africa and can influence younger minds to take the country forward,’ said Mutula.

During his address, Serote paid homage to Gwala for his activism and contribution to the Arts while speaking about the importance of valuing Africanness and heritage.

‘Mafika understood what it was to be African, to come from an oppressed people,’ said Serote. ‘He asked pertinent questions about this and the direction of the country. Mafika often said that the oppression/racism was a means towards the exploitation of the masses of Black people. He characterised this problem and provided the solution to always rise above oppression.’ 

Serote said history was often distorted and emanated from ignorance and intention. ‘To correct this distortion, give a voice to the voiceless people of this country. Assert your humanness. Seek knowledge not only for self-improvement but for the country and its people.’

The lecture included a prize giving ceremony for learners from 12 high schools in Hammarsdale in KwaZulu-Natal who participated in an essay writing project. Learners were asked to do research and present an essay on artists and cultural organisations in the area. First prize was R3 000, second prize R2 000 and third was R1 000. All winners were awarded certificates.

The winners were:

• 1st - Sifiso Buthlezi of Ukusa Senior Secondary School for The Biography of Ntuthuko Macbeth Sibaya
• 2nd - Nothando Kunene of Phezulu High School for The Roots in our Veins
• 3rd - Anelisiwe Dladla of Ingede Senior Primary School for The Biography of Makholeka Matthews Meyiwa
• 4th - Ms Sthembile Promise Jeza of Ukusa Senior Secondary School for King Goodwill Zwelithini kaBhekuzulu
• 5th - Ms Sbahle Dlangisa of Ingede Senior Primary School for The Biography of Solomon Thekiso Plaatjie

Words: Melissa Mungroo 

Photographs: Albert Hirasen