​Africans need to get involved in their country to promote good governance that acknowledges the citizens’ role in helping resolve national problems. This was former South African President, Thabo Mbeki’s sentiment at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) on Tuesday, 9 November 2015.

Speaking at a two-day symposium, hosted by the University’s SARChI Chair in African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy (Faculty of Humanities), entitled Current Global Dynamics: Order and disorder? Exploring the implications for Africa, he reminded the audience, who consisted of distinguished African scholars and intellectuals, of their responsibility and the role each plays in ensuring governance and integrity in state affairs.

“Africans have to be active participants in their countries. By ensuring that their voices are heard, they illustrate a solidarity movement,” he said.

He pointed out, amongst others, the consequences of a world dominated by powerful States, making reference to the increased presence of foreign soldiers on the African continent, and the destruction of Pan-African organisations.

Also speaking at the conference, the University’s Executive Dean for the Faculty of Art, Design & Architecture, Prof Federico Freschi said that UJ will launch the Pan-African Institute of African Thought in 2016. “The Institute will contribute productively in the context of the economy,” he said.