The University of Johannesburg (UJ) recently hosted the fifth annual Eric Molobi Memorial Lecture, celebrating the life and legacy of Dr Eric “Marooi” Molobi a visionary leader, education activist, and social reformer who believed deeply in the transformative power of education.
Dr Molobi combined academic excellence, business acumen, and political fortitude to help dismantle apartheid, empower disadvantaged communities, and inspire generations of black South Africans to view education as an instrument of liberation. He passed away in 2006 after a long battle with cancer, but his influence continues to shape South Africa’s educational landscape.
This year’s lecture was delivered by Professor Joel Samoff, a research associate in UJ’s Faculty of Education. Prof Samoff is an internationally respected scholar whose research spans the politics of education, the concept of education as liberation, and the political economy of Africa. His lecture, titled “Innovation: Essential, Difficult, and Disruptive”, explored the challenges and possibilities of driving transformation through education.
Prof Shireen Motala, South African Research Chair in Teaching and Learning (SARChI: T&L) at UJ, served as the programme director for the evening. The lecture’s respondent was Prof Crain Soudien, Emeritus Professor in Education and African Studies at the University of Cape Town.
The Molobi family including Dr Molobi’s wife, Martha, and daughters Lele and Tiisetso attended the event, continuing their active role in preserving his legacy.
In his opening remarks, UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi, reflected on the lecture’s origins and significance:
“Time flies. I remember the first Dr Eric Molobi lecture when I was Dean of the Faculty of Law here at UJ. It is my profound honour to welcome you to the fifth annual lecture. Today, we also celebrate the 20th anniversary of our University a milestone that reflects our commitment to advancing education and community engagement.”
Prof Mpedi described Dr Molobi as “a true champion of education, social justice, and community empowerment,” adding that the lecture serves not only to honour his contributions but also as a “vital platform for meaningful dialogue on the role of innovation in education.”
He also extended appreciation to the Molobi family, Prof Nadine Petersen, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Education, and Prof Shireen Motala for their dedication in organising the event:
“Your commitment to honouring Dr Molobi’s memory is commendable and ensures that his legacy continues to inspire and enlighten future generations.”
Introducing the keynote speaker, Prof Petersen noted the depth and relevance of Prof Samoff’s scholarship:
“His lecture invites us to truly reflect on what it means to innovate not only in the technical sense, but also in the ethical and social sense. His work challenges us to consider how innovation can disrupt inequalities and open new pathways for inclusive and equitable education. In the spirit of Eric Molobi, courage and creativity must go hand-in-hand with service and justice.”
Since its inception, the Eric Molobi Memorial Lecture has been delivered by distinguished figures such as former Finance Minister Trevor Manuel, Prof Paul Zeleza, and Prof Jane Knight, research associate at UJ’s Ali Mazrui Centre.
Through this annual lecture, UJ continues to honour Dr Molobi’s enduring commitment to equity, inclusivity, and the transformative power of education values that remain central to the University’s mission and vision.
Watch the lecture below:
