South Africa is celebrating 20 years of democracy this year, and new legislation to boost gender equity is in the pipeline. But where do we stand in terms of women’s rights, and what is the role of universities in this regard? Following South Africa’s 1994 elections, there was formal acknowledgment … Lees meer
The victory over apartheid belongs to all who helped to end that system, but the greatest, most inspiring figure of the anti-apartheid struggle undoubtedly was former president Nelson Mandela. His example and the deprivations he endured gave people courage in the darkest hours. He stood for democracy and justice, even … Lees meer
Close on 20 years after South Africa’s transition from apartheid to democracy through a negotiated political settlement, our country finds itself at a crossroads again. Progress in many areas has been commendable, but in others the pace of change has been far too slow. And in some areas things have … Lees meer
We have recently been chatting about our South African identity. Many say that it is not only our diversity that is characteristic of our nation but also our celebration of it. To them, we are, as our country’s Constitution (of 1996) puts it, “united in our diversity”. I concluded my … Lees meer
The enrolment of South Africa’s first “born-frees” at higher-education institutions earlier this year has brought the issue of our national identity into sharp focus again. Having grown up in a post-apartheid society, their experiences have been different to that of previous generations. As we enter a future that will ultimately be shaped by the next generation, we need to review our progress as a nation and look again at where we are heading. Lees meer
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