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16 May 2022
An image of Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha’s book, I am a Man

The University of the Free State (UFS) Sasol Library, in collaboration with the Office for International Affairs, invites you to the launch of a book by Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, titled I am a man.  In this book, he explains his complex relationship with masculinity, fatherhood, and identity. 

Date: 18 May 2022
Time: 17:00-18:30
Venue: UFS Sasol Library – Level 2

About the author

Dr Jerry Mofokeng
On 28 June 2019, Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha received an honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) degree from the University of the Free State (UFS) for his commitment to scholarship and his service to humanity.

Dr Makhetha is an iconic and award-winning South African actor who has appeared in several critically acclaimed films, including Cry, the Beloved Country; Lord of War; Mandela and de Klerk; and the 2005 Academy Award-winning film Tsotsi.  Dr Mofokeng studied at Wits Drama School where he initially majored in Acting, and later went on to study at Columbia University in America, where he obtained his master's degree in Theatre Directing.



About the book:
Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha always felt like an outsider in his family. At the age of 58, he discovers who his real father is. Suddenly his search for identity makes sense. He gives us a glimpse into his family life – his love for his wife and kids, as well as tracing the highlights and disappointments of his career. Along the way, he learns some very important lessons about manhood. This is a memoir, but also a challenge to South African men to live out their masculinity in a responsible way.

News Archive

Is Al-Qaeda operating in South Africa?
2014-09-29

 
Our Department of Political Studies and Governance recently hosted a seminar with investigative journalist De Wet Potgieter – author of the book, ‘Black Widow White Widow’.During the seminar, Potgieter reflected on the research he has conducted for the book, revealing the unsettling presence of Al-Qaeda in South Africa.

The ‘White Widow’ in the book’s title refers to Samantha Lewthwaite, a British woman who was found in South Africa with a fraudulent passport. She was later linked to the Westgate shopping mall attack which took place in Nairobi, Kenya on 21 September 2013. In this mass shooting at least 67 people died and over 175 people were wounded. The Islamist group al-Shabaab – which is also linked to Al-Qaeda – claimed responsibility for the incident.

In contrast, the ‘Black Widow’ is the disclosed identity of an Afrikaans-speaking self-styled spy, who after being widowed became a counter-terrorist operative.

Potgieter’s book divulges details of Al-Qaeda paramilitary and urban warfare training on a secluded farm in the Little Karoo and reveals details of the support they receive from various local extremist groups. Potgieter’s investigation spans across two years and suggests possible future attacks from, or on, South African soil.

“South Africa plays a role in the bigger picture for Al-Qaeda Islamic terrorism,” Potgieter said. “For instance, the Navy Seal team who killed Bin Laden found reports pointing to active Al-Qaeda/Islamist presence in South Africa. South Africans need to know we are under siege by a small, well-trained Al Qaeda terrorist cell. Yet, operations – of which I know, but cannot disclose much – are also underway to contain these matters,” Potgieter added.

Potgieter’s sources suggest that Al-Qaeda has been active in South Africa since the 2010 FIFA World Cup already. The South African government seems to turn a blind eye, though, despite CIA and MI6 requests and enquiries on the matter.


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