The reparations debate, in Africa and globally, has gained momentum in recent years, and it will only grow in significance over time as nations seek healing from past wrongs. South Africa was the designated facilitator of the consultative process for proclaiming 2014-2024 the International Decade for People of African Descent, with a view to centring ‘Recognition, Justice, and Development’ to issues pertaining to global Africa. Questions around: how pertinent is reparatory dialogue for Africa, and how relevant for South Africa in particular? What import does such dialogue and action hold for the forging of a Pan-African identity, and for a positive positioning of Africa globally?
Repairing the nation: The Meaning of reparations to Global Africa, will be the focus of discussion of the University of Johannesburg (UJ)’s first International Leadership Platform for 2014. The International Leadership Platform is set to promote a culture of free and open dialogue on political, cultural, and economic matters affecting South Africa, Africa and the world – bridging the space between universities and research institutes on the one hand, policy makers as well as the general public on the other.
Hosted by the Division for Internationalisation at UJ, which is headed by Dr Pinkie Mekgwe, the public lecture is scheduled for 18:30 to 20:00, on Thursday, 16 January 2014 at the University’s Council Chamber, Madibeng Building, Auckland Park Kingsway Campus, Johannesburg.
Internationally reputed historian, Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Pro Vice-Chancellor at the University of West Indies andChairman of the CARICOM Reparations Commission will deliver the keynote address. His lecture will amongst othersexplore the social issues arising from reparation. His latest book, Britain’s Black Debt: Reparations for Caribbean Slavery and Native Genocide (2013), ‘a text which follows upon [his] plenary address at the seminal World Conference on Racism in 2001’ will form the basis of his lecture.
In addition, world renowned author and A-rated research professor, Thaddeus Metz, a Professor of Philosophy and Philosophy Research Chair at UJ, will be the respondent and questions and answers will be facilitated by Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Internationalisation, UJ.
