Dr Mongane Wally Serote, world-renowned poet, writer and cultural activist was the keynote speaker at CPUT’s Africa Day celebrations on the Bellville campus on 25 May. Revered as one of the Soweto poets who embodied the literary revival of black voices in the 1970s, Serote is generally regarded as one of South Africa’s pre-eminent writers.

Africa Day is an annual occasion for African countries and institutions to commemorate and reflect on the growth and development of the continent. The celebrations mark the day when the Organisation of African Unity, the precursor to the African Union, was formed 48 years ago, on May 25th, 1963.

Civic Engagement Manager Buntu Gwija, a member of the organising committee for Africa Day, says he’s delighted that an icon of Serote’s stature delivered the keynote address. “It's an honour to host Dr Serote, who has played such a proud and committed role in our country’s history. My wish is that we at CPUT, an institution that envisions becoming ‘the heart of technology and innovation in Africa’, can learn from him and use his teachings to forge a unique, shared sense of Africanised identity.”

A recent recipient of the President’s Order of Ikhamanga in Silver for his ‘excellent contribution to literature, with emphasis on poetry and for putting his artistic talents at the service of democracy in South Africa’, Serote spoke on the topic of ‘African Renaissance as Anchored on Indigenous Knowledge Systems.’

In addition to Serote’s address, Hip-hop artist Kapital K provided entertainment during the event, and prizes were awarded to the best-dressed male and female who embodied the dress code theme – ‘Diversely African’.

By Thando J. Moiloa and Jan Weintrob.

Sources: www.en.wikipedia.org, www.thepresidency.gov.za
Photo source: www.townshiptimes.co.za

Written by CPUT News
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Leadership on the continent was put under the spotlight at CPUT’s annual Africa Day celebrations.

The event, which was held on the Bellville Campus, looked at African leadership in the 21st century and explored the current realities, challenges and prospects of leadership on the continent.

PROUD: CPUT staff members show off their traditional attire

CAPE FLAVOUR: Minstrels performed at the CPUT Africa Day event

Reverend Dr Frank Chikane, former Director General of the Presidency who delivered the keynote address, says while Africa has been liberated politically there are still many other challenges facing the continent.

He says in Africa there are leaders who are not governing for the people but who have their own interest and well-being at heart while others are corrupt and compromise.

He says governments should be by the people and for the people.

“Democracy is meant to make us live together in an equitable society.”

Dr Chikane says Africans should use this day to reflect on how they will move forward in the liberation struggle.

“As Africans we must take the opportunity to clear our house and structure it properly. We need Africans who will take a stand and gather together and clean up their back rooms and fight the battle to free the people of Africa and liberate them,” says Dr Chikane.

Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity now known as the African Union (AU). This day celebrates Africa’s liberation but also urges Africans to reflect on the development and challenges facing the continent.

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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Leadership on the continent will come under the spotlight at CPUT’s annual Africa Day celebrations that will take place at the Bellville Campus today.

Africa Day is the annual commemoration of the 1963 founding of the Organization of African Unity now known as the African Union (AU). This day celebrates Africa’s liberation but also urges Africans to reflect on the development and challenges facing the continent.

Today the CPUT community will focus on African Leadership in the 21st century and will explore the current realities, challenges and prospects of leadership on the continent.

The keynote address will be delivered by Reverend Dr Frank Chikane, former Director General of the Presidency.  Dr Chikane is well acquainted with leadership issues on the African continent and earlier this year he released Eight Days in September, his account of the events leading up to and following Thabo Mbeki’s removal from office.

The president of the Apostolic Faith Mission of South Africa, he is also involved in business, offering an advisory service to companies that do business on the African continent.

Africa Day celebrations will take place at the Bellville Campus Auditorium at 12am.

The CPUT community and public can watch the event live online at www.cput.ac.za/live

By Candes Keating

Written by CPUT News
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