The University of Johannesburg (UJ) set a goal to enhance its African footprint and to become the epicentre of Pan-African intellectual thought.
To this end, the University joined forces with thought leader journal, The Thinker, to expand its effort to reach out to a wider audience. This came to fruition with the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the University and the journal on Monday, 19 January 2015.
Says Prof Tshilidzi Marwala, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Postgraduate Studies and the Library and Information Centre, UJ: “The collaboration is in line with the University’s strategy for Global Excellence and Stature. As part of this, UJ seeks opportunities to engage on relevant and topical matters that showcase leadership and spark thought-provoking conversations. The Thinker, will play a prominent role in spreading the message.”
According to Dr Essop Pahad, Founding Editor of the quarterly published journal and former Minister in the Presidency of South Africa, one of the foremost objectives are to develop thinking on the African continent. “I think together, we should be able to make some contribution towards the intellectual output and further strengthen UJ’s positioning,” said Dr Pahad.
Prof Chris Landsberg, SARChi Chair of African Diplomacy and Foreign Policy, UJ, echoed Dr Pahad’s sentiments adding that the journal is the ideal vehicle to some of the critical challenges faced by the continent. “UJ has the exploration to become an epicentre of African-talk and The Thinker is a highly influential opinion-shaping magazine, with access to the foremost thinkers in the public and private spheres in the continent,” said Prof Landsberg.
Watch interview here
Visit: www.thethinker.co.za for more info.