In partnership with the Kagiso Trust, Rhodes Business School hosted the annual Beyers Naudé Memorial Lecture on Wednesday, 11 September 2024, at the Rhodes University Drama Department Main Theatre. The event provided a valuable platform to reflect on 30 years of South African democracy, facilitating meaningful discussions about the nation’s achievements and ongoing challenges. It also coincided with the RU120 anniversary, further encouraging dialogue on the transition and progress within South Africa’s democratic journey.
The Beyers Naudé Memorial Lecture was established to honour Dr Beyers Naudé, a founding member and patron of the Kagiso Trust. He was a prominent anti-apartheid activist and critical committee member for racial equality and human rights to build a just and inclusive society. This year’s memorial lecture theme, “Building a nation together: reflections from the people” highlighted South Africa’s journey post-apartheid, celebrating democratic achievements while addressing racial reconciliation, social justice, and leadership issues.
The event commenced with a performance by the Rhodes University Choir, followed by a welcome by Professor Owen Skae, Director of the Rhodes Business School. In his opening remarks, he emphasised that collective progress is more effective than individual efforts, a key aspect of nation-building.
Kagiso Trust CEO Dr Mankodi Moitse built on these themes during her address, emphasising the importance of mutual support in amplifying impact and fostering a united front for progress. She also emphasised Kagiso Trust’s crucial role in South Africa’s development, pointing out that the Trust’s inaugural lecture in 2003, delivered by Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, established the foundation for the Beyers Naudé Memorial Lecture series. This legacy, she stated, is aimed at unlocking human potential to address the country’s critical challenges.
Rhodes University Vice-Chancellor, Professor Sizwe Mabizela, also underscored the vital role of universities in supporting nation-building within South Africa’s democracy. He stressed that universities, as drivers of social mobility, must remain connected to societal issues while balancing local responsibilities with global engagement. “Our university must produce graduates who are not only technically skilled but also deeply rooted in values essential for nation-building and strengthening our democracy,” he stated. In closing, Prof Mabizela acknowledged ongoing progress but stressed the need for continued effort, emphasising that present decisions rather than past actions shape the future.
The event shifted focus with keynote speaker Peter Harris, a founding partner at Harris Nupen Molebatsi Attorneys. Specialising in commercial, public, and labour law, Harris has led major multi-stakeholder initiatives and played a key role in establishing the Commission for Conciliation, Mediation, and Arbitration (CCMA) in 1995. He also served as Chief Director for the Independent Electoral Commission in 1994 and is the editor of “Democracy and Deep-Rooted Conflict: Options for Negotiators.”
Harris’s keynote lecture covered crucial topics such as the apartheid era, the Marikana Massacre, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, Chris Hani’s impact, Nelson Mandela’s release, and the birth of democratic South Africa, while also addressing the living conditions of the time. Harris reflected on South Africa’s progress over the past 30 years, highlighting advancements and issues in governance, infrastructure, and social services. Harris also noted that the current socio-economic situation in South Africa, marked by corruption and water issues, falls short of Beyers Naudé’s vision for the country.
He also addressed ongoing issues of inequality, including economic disparities, education, healthcare, and social mobility. Emphasising the need for continued effort toward a more equitable society, Harris urged: “We have to do better as individuals, communities, and governments. If we do not do this, we betray the legacies of Beyers Naudé, Desmond Tutu, Nelson Mandela, and many others. We cannot dishonour all of those who laid down their lives and suffered so terribly for this democracy and for this freedom to be achieved.”
After the keynote address, Harris engaged in a dynamic Q&A session with the audience. Key topics included the effects of globalisation on South Africa’s nation-building, the private sector’s role in addressing unemployment, economic sabotage, and corruption, Rhodes University’s contribution to the Makhanda community, and strategies for reducing racism in South Africa’s younger generations.
Kagiso Trust Board Chairperson Mankone Ntsaba, delivered the closing remarks, noting that the event highlighted both the triumphs and challenges of South Africa’s journey. She emphasised that this balance was captured in the evening’s theme, “Building a Nation Together: reflections from the People”.
