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Programme
Safety Week is approaching, and all members of the University of the Free State (UFS) and the broader community are invited to attend the series of events which is to take place on the Bloemfontein and South campuses from 3 to 6 September 2018.
Issues to be discussed include the handling of sexual assault, gender equality, mental health, personal and road safety. Representatives from, among others, the Sector 3 Community Policing Forum, South African Police Services, Mangaung Local Municipality, Embrace A Sister organisation, Next Chapter organisation, and the Gender and Sexual Equity office will deliver keynote addresses.
Bloemfontein Campus:
3–5 September 2018
12:30–15:00
Thakaneng Bridge
South Campus:
6 September 2018
13:00–15:00
Cafeteria area
Great prizes will be given away. Save the date, don’t miss out!
Shushing, speaking, politicians, policing
2014-03-18
Prof Pumla Dineo Gqola Photo: Michelle Nothling |
Feminist writer, scholar and previous Kovsie staff member, Prof Pumla Dineo Gqola, recently launched her book at the Bloemfontein Campus. “A Renegade Called Simphiwe” explores the life – and controversy – of singer Simphiwe Dana.
The book tells the story of Dana, a rebellious artist and cultural activist. But it also delves much deeper – into the fabric of our society itself. It questions our expectations and reactions to the things that make us shift in our seats.
The politics of silencing
Artists should not involve themselves in politics. They should stick to what they’re good at. Dana and other artists know this silencing finger being waved at them all too well. It is this mentality that alarms Prof Gqola. “I’m very disturbed by the notion of policing our – especially female – artists.” She pointed out that it is mostly female artists in SA who are put under scrutiny, reigned in and censored. Not only by politicians, though. Our public also quickly steps in when an artist seems to step out of ‘their place’.
The proper place of art
“I’m part of the movement that believes art transforms,” said Prof Gqola. South Africa used to be a fertile ground for protest art. This had an immense impact on political and social transformation. “Then something happened,” Prof Gqola let the words linger. “The arts got divorced from its social transformative power.”
Why has art been publically marginalised?
The question remains.