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16 July 2018 Photo Sonia Small
Critical Leadership Key to Social Change
Théogène “Totto” Niwenshuti and Rena Yamazaki discuss trauma and forgiveness

The question of leadership, ethics, morality, and social change were discussed during the opening session of day three of the Global Leadership Summit, with panellists such as Dr Mvuyo Tom from the Oliver and Adelaide Tambo Foundation, Cunningham Ngcukana from the Robert Sobukwe Trust, Nomsa Daniels of the Graça Machel Trust, and students from the University of the Free State (UFS), the University of Antwerp, and the Sol Plaatje University (SPU).  The panel discussed how critical leaders make the right decisions and for whom these decisions are taken when dealing with situations of social change. 

The dialogue was followed by a performance from the Arts and Social Justice Theatre Production, as we wait, a gripping play about trust and betrayal, exploring race relations in higher-education spaces.  The cast, consisting of UFS students, engaged in a panel discussion with the audience, who later raised insights and interpretations of key concepts such as white privilege, ‘isms’, and transformation at universities. 

Trauma, reconciliation, and nation-building
One of the most harrowing events of the 21st century in Africa is the Rwandan genocide that saw close to a million people killed in a space of three months from April to July 1994.  The story of Rwanda was presented by Prince ‘Totto’ Théogène Niwenshuti, a Rwandan artist, activist, and victim. He was joined by Yuki Tanaka and Rena Yamazaki, who are students from the International Christian University in Japan, for a discussion with delegates.  The Japanese students related the narrative of Japanese colonialism, its invasion of Korea and parts of China, and the war crimes that were committed there.  Discussions ensued on issues such as retribution, reconciliation, and the effectiveness of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, the community justice Gacaca courts in Rwanda, and the omission of war crime narratives in Japanese history teachings and how this affects national unity, reconciliation, and trust between victims and perpetrators.

Transformation at universities – a global concern
A wide and global view on understanding the various modalities towards reconciliation and transformation were led by a panel of four: ex-SRC president Phiwe Mathe, two students from Edmonds Community College (ECC) in the USA, staff from the UFS, Cornelius Hagenmeier, Director: Office of International Affairs, moderated by JC van der Merwe from the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice.  Hagenmeier said, “I grew up in a divided Germany where east and west held certain stereotypes about each other.  I decided to finish my studies in the east, and this is when I realised that, on a personal level, we were able to find understanding as fellow students”. Mathe highlighted the importance of re-looking the commercialised space that the university operates in, and how that dictates its policies.  Students from ECC presented the plight of native American people in the United States and South America, the century-old discriminatory laws against these groups, and their call for social justice. 

The summit will conclude on 14 July 2018 with a sharing and reflection session where students and staff of partner institutions will present their positions on the thematic areas that were tabled throughout the week-long summit.

Related articles:
GLS explores global view on gender and intersectionality (July 2018)
Global Leadership Summit starts off on a high note (July 2018)

News Archive

State of our campuses
2016-05-13

16 May 2016: Qwaqwa Campus reopens on Wednesday 18 May 2016

The Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State (UFS) will reopen residences on Wednesday 18 May 2016 from 12:00 for occupation by registered students.

 

12 May 2016: Qwaqwa Campus closed until further notice

Students and staff were instructed to leave the campus with immediate effect.

 

16 March 2016: Investigations into incidents on the Bloemfontein Campus: 22-26 February 2016

Investigations underway into incidents relating to the Varsity Cup rugby match at Xerox Shimla Park and all other criminal acts occurring during protest action

 

04 March 2016: Letter from Emma Sadleir, Social Media Law Consultant

Letter from Emma Sadleir, Social Media Law consultant

 

04 March 2016: Extension of the academic calendar

Academic calendar extended by one week

 

04 March 2016: UFS urges individuals to come forward with evidence

UFS urges individuals to come forward with evidence about incidents on the Bloemfontein Campus last week

 

29 February 2016: Confirmation of the security arrangements on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses for the week

As communicated yesterday, herewith confirmation of the security arrangements.

 

29 February 2016:  Statement by the senior leadership of the University of the Free State

Statement by the senior leadership of the University of the Free State regarding the situation on the Bloemfontein Campus

 

28 February 2016: Academic and security arrangements

Academic and security arrangements on the Bloemfontein and South Campuses for the coming week

 

28 February 2016: Letter to parents

Letter to parents from Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the UFS

 

28 February 2016: Availability of academic and security arrangements

Information about academic and security arrangements on Bloemfontein and South Campuses will be communicated by 14:00.

 

25 February 2016: UFS management and contract workers reach agreement

Earlier today, the management of the University of the Free (UFS) reached an agreement with contract workers

 

24 February 2016: Kovsies gather in prayer

Kovsie students gathered at the Bloemfontein Campus Main Gate to unite in prayer

 

24 February 2016: UFS Bloemfontein and South Campuses closed from 25 to 26 February 2016

To reopen on Monday 29 February 2016

 

23 February 2016: A statement by Prof Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS)

Situation on the Bloemfontein Campus

 

23 February 2016: Situation on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus under control after further disruptions

The safety of students in residences on campus is the major concern for the senior leadership of the university

 

22 February 2016: Varsity Cup rugby match between FNB Shimlas and FNB NMMU Madibaz disrupted

The Varsity Cup match between the FNB Shimlas and FNB NMMU Madibaz was disrupted in the 17th minute when a group of protesters moved onto the field in order to disrupt the match already underway.

 

22 February 2016: UFS Bloemfontein and South Campuses closed from 23 to 24 February 2016

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) Bloemfontein and South Campuses will be closed from 23 to 24 February 2016.

 

22 February 2016: Update on situation on the Bloemfontein Campus

Striking outsourced contract workers have been demonstrating outside the Main Gate of the Bloemfontein Campus

21 February 2016:  Strike by outsourced contract workers on the Bloemfontein Campus

All academic and administrative services will continue as normal.

 

18 February 2016: Protest by contract workers on the Bloemfontein Campus

A group of mostly contract workers protested on the Bloemfontein Campus of the University of the Free State.


25 January 2016: No incidents on the three UFS campuses

Comparative figures still indicate that day-to-day registration compares well with that of 2015.

 

19 January 2016: Campus activities are continuing as normal

Registration process is progressing well 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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