The University of the Free State (UFS) marked Africa Day (commemorated annually on 25 May) with a bold and thought-provoking podcast-style discussion hosted by the Office for International Affairs on 22 May 2025 at the Bloemfontein Campus. Now in its eighth year, the annual Africa Day commemoration was reimagined with a conversational format that blended intellectual insight with the energy of live engagement.

Centred around the theme ‘Africa’s Future: Higher Education and Global Impact’, the panel featured some of the most respected voices in leadership and academia. Media personality David Mashabela, known for his King David Studio podcast and presence on Radio 2000, moderated a rich conversation between UFS Chancellor Prof Bonang Mohale and Dr Naledi Pandor, former Minister of International Relations and Cooperation.

Anchored in the broader context of Africa Month, the dialogue highlighted the critical role of African universities in shaping knowledge systems, advancing innovation, and strengthening the continent’s global positioning. It also underscored how youth, as drivers of change, are central to building a future where Africa leads through education, collaboration, and homegrown solutions.

Reimagining the role of higher education in Africa’s future

At the heart of the discussion was a shared belief that higher education is not just a site of learning, but a strategic force for shaping Africa’s future.

Dr Pandor underlined the conditions necessary for universities to truly contribute to development. “Universities play their best role in the context in which there’s freedom of expression, democracy and free academic activity,” she said. “Without these, it’s impossible for higher education to make a contribution to development.”

She also emphasised that research and innovation must be treated as central to a university’s mission. “You can, through university work, make a contribution to development,” she noted, “but it has to be integral … and must enjoy the characteristics of freedom to pursue knowledge and support for innovation.”

But contribution, she argued, can’t happen in a vacuum: While government efforts in supporting higher education are commendable, Dr Pandor called out the private sector’s absence in funding and partnerships. “We’ve got to address the inadequacies that there are in establishing this link,” she said, referring to the disconnect between industry and academia.

Prof Mohale, drawing from his experience in the business world, expanded on this disconnect. “Unfortunately, businesses succumbed to measuring itself in quarterly cycles, where nations are created in centuries,” he remarked. In his view, businesses often fail to recognise their stake in broader societal development. “If they [government] don’t create a conducive environment where businesses can thrive,” he warned, “then people become opportunistic, self-centred and egocentric.”

Still, both speakers remained hopeful, particularly about the power of the continent’s youth. Dr Pandor argued that universities must do more than teach; they must equip. “Part of the role of universities is to train us in economics, investment, business formation, and really ensuring that we create powerful youth that can effectively manage our economy and ensure that we succeed.”

Prof Mohale echoed that sentiment, adding that universities also need to lead by example. He called for institutions of higher learning to embrace not only academic excellence, but also social justice and strong ethical frameworks. “We need to bring a social justice approach to these higher learning institutions because of the disparity that is very grotesque,” he said. 

Context, collaboration and the power of dialogue

Prof Anthea Rhoda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic at UFS, reflected on Africa Day as not only a commemoration but also a call to both honour and reimagine.

“Africa Day offers a valuable opportunity to reflect on our continent’s progress, challenges, and future potential,” she said. “It reminds us that universities are an integral part of the African narrative, both as custodians of our knowledge systems and as catalysts for transformation.”

She explained that the decision to use a podcast-style format was a deliberate shift towards deeper engagement. “We didn’t want to repeat what we’ve always done. We needed a new approach, and we were pleased by the turnout and how students were fully engaged.”

The event reinforced the university’s commitment to fostering meaningful dialogue during Africa Month and beyond.

Watch the discussion here: