Academic achievers from each University of the Free State college,
residence heads and other leaders had the opportunity to engage
with Prof Dubey on 15 February 2017 at the Equitas Senate Hall on the
Bloemfontein Campus.
Photo: Eddie de Wet

India’s role in the liberation of South Africa was one of the topics discussed at an academic conversation hosted by the Student Communities Office, where the guest speaker was Prof Ajay Dubey from the Centre for African Studies at the Jawaharlal Nehru University in India.

During the conversation, African relationships and developing countries working together were some of the ideas exchanged. Also discussed was South Africa and India leading collaboration regarding many economic, political and technological aspects.

Expert on African affairs

Top academic achievers from each University of the Free State college, residence heads and other university leaders had the opportunity to engage with Prof Dubey on 15 February 2017 at the Equitas Senate Hall on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Prof Dubey holds a Masters degree in Political Science, an MPhil and a PhD in International Studies. His research areas are International Studies, Foreign Policy, African Affairs and Diasporas Studies.

He is editor-in-chief of three international peer-reviewed bi-annual journals, the Diaspora Studies, Africa Review and Insight on Africa, and is also currently secretary general of the African Studies Association of India and president of Organisation for Diaspora Initiatives.

Insightful academic conversation

“I learnt not only about the history of India and African relationships, but also of opportunities that will contribute towards the prosperity of both countries,” said Lindie Nhlapo, a third-year Economics student from Welwitschia residence.

Angelo Mockie, residence head at Beyers Naudé, said the session was very insightful, “especially on the inside, given the history relating to the role India played in the liberation of South Africa”.

“It also made me realise the important role of the African Union and the importance of Africa looking to itself for its own socioeconomic liberation.”