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The University of the Free State Qwaqwa Campus recently hosted the International Qwaqwa Interdisciplinary Conference (IQIC2024) from 20 to 21 November 2024. This critical event brought together a diverse group of policy makers, civil society, diplomats, students, scholars, researchers, donors, and financial institutions to address the complex challenges facing Africa in the 21st Century.

A platform for dialogue and innovation

Themed Africa in the Age of Global Crisis – Wars, Pandemics, Climate Emergencies, and Financial Subordination: The Search for Decolonial Responses and Sustainable Recoveries, the conference delved into the multifaceted impact of climate change, digital colonialism, pandemics, wars, and debt distress. This pivotal event, co-organised by the Department of Sociology, the Centre for Gender and Africa Studies (CGAS), and the CGIAR FOCUS Climate Security team, delved into the complex challenges confronting Africa in the 21st Century.

In his opening and welcome address, the Dean of The Humanities, Prof Mogomme Masoga, said he took pride in welcoming delegates to the Qwaqwa Campus. “I am hoping that the conversations that will emerge on this mountain campus will inspire us to reimagine our beautiful world and demonstrate why financial, environmental, and social equity, justice and inclusion must not be negotiable for the human condition. Let us explore these difficult questions of our time together. Let us come up with options together, but then it must not end here. I have never been a fan of talk shows. I am aware that the organising committee will be busy with scholarly outputs from this engagement. I look forward to supporting them in that regard,” said Prof Masoga.

Distinguished speakers and thought-provoking discussions

A distinguished line-up of keynote speakers shared their insights on critical issues:

• Prof Adebayo Olukoshi (University of the Witwatersrand) explored the complex interplay of multiple crises facing the world and Africa, emphasising the need for a development agenda grounded in African priorities.
• Dr Mutshidzi Mulondo (University of the Free State) examined the impact of global pandemics, particularly COVID-19, on Africa, and the importance of innovative, decolonial responses for future resilience.
• Prof Hussein Solomon (University of the Free State) critically examined the Western narrative of Africa as a 'shithole' and the limitations of decolonial discourse, advocating for a more nuanced and strategic approach to African development.
• Dr Nqobizitha Dube (Infrastructure Development Bank of Zimbabwe) discussed the need for a just climate finance regime that addresses Africa's unique challenges and priorities, focusing on equitable access to global climate finance resources.

Diverse minds, innovative ideas

The International Qwaqwa Interdisciplinary Conference 2024 was a vibrant hub of intellectual exchange, bringing together a diverse group of academics and researchers from various institutions. This rich mix of backgrounds and perspectives fostered stimulating discussions and enriched the overall conference experience. The interdisciplinary nature of the conference allowed for a comprehensive exploration of complex issues, encouraging innovative thinking and collaboration among participants. Throughout the conference, participants engaged in stimulating discussions, shared innovative ideas, and explored potential solutions to Africa's complex problems.

A call to action for sustainable development

IQIC2024 served as a platform for interdisciplinary dialogue and the exploration of innovative solutions for decolonisation and sustainable development in Africa. The conference concluded with a call to action, emphasising the need for continued collaboration and practical implementation of the ideas generated during the event. As Prof Sethulego Matebesi, Head of the Department of Sociology, said on the second day of the conference, "It is crucial to bridge the gap between theory and practice. This should be a key focus for those reflecting on the outcomes of this conference."

By fostering collaboration and sharing insights, IQIC2024 aims to inspire action and drive meaningful change in addressing the urgent challenges facing Africa.

IQIC 2024 concluded with a strong call to action. Participants emphasised the need for continued collaboration, interdisciplinary research, and practical implementation of sustainable development strategies. The conference served as a catalyst for fostering dialogue, knowledge sharing, and collective action to address Africa's challenges and secure a prosperous future.