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17 May 2024 | Story Valentino Ndaba | Photo iStock
Africa Reparation Hub Launch 2024
Join us as we unite to confront the challenges of our past and pave the way for a more just and equitable future for all Africans.

The Department of Public Law at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Faculty of Law is proud to announce the launch of the UFS Africa Reparation Hub alongside a colloquium centred around the theme Unifying Africa for Action to Advance Reparatory Justice.

Date: 6 June 2024

Time: 11:00-16:00

Venue : Microsoft Teams; join the event here

Click to view documentClick here to RSVP and here for more information and speakers.

The pursuit of reparations for historical and contemporary injustices in Africa has gathered significant momentum. From the adoption of the African Union resolution advocating a united front to the push for reparations of past atrocities, the continent is asserting its demand for justice. This drive traces its roots back to historical landmarks like the Abuja Proclamation of 1993 and the Durban Declaration and Programme of Action in 2001.

Launch of the hub

Aligned with the UFS Vision 130, the university has established the UFS Africa Reparation Hub to serve as a nucleus for frank discussions on Africa's reparations. It houses a comprehensive database of resources on the subject and is poised to host expert groups dedicated to furthering the cause.

The Colloquium

The faculty invites academics, policymakers, human rights advocates, justice professionals, and representatives from international, regional, and national bodies to the colloquium which will precede the launch of the hub. This virtual gathering aims to foster dialogue and action toward reparatory justice in Africa. Thereafter, attendees will witness the official launch of the UFS Africa Reparation Hub, marking a significant step forward in the continent’s journey towards healing and restitution.

Leading voices on reparatory justice

In an eagerly awaited keynote address, Prof Verene Shepherd, the esteemed Director of the Centre for Reparations Research at the University of West Indies, Jamaica, is poised to set the stage for a thought-provoking discussion on reparatory justice. Joining her will be a distinguished line-up of speakers including Prof Serges Kamga (Dean of the Faculty of Law at the UFS); Martin Okumu-Masiga (Secretary-General of the Africa Judges and Jurists Forum); Dr Ahmed Bugri (Senior Expert and Coordinator for Reparatory Justice and Racial Healing at the African Union); and Prof Kula Theletsane (Director of the Organ on Politics, Defence, and Security Affairs in Southern African Development Community (SADC).

Dr Catherine Namakula, Convenor of the Africa Reparation Hub, is anticipated to moderate the discussion, guiding the conversation towards actionable strategies for advancing reparations and fostering racial healing across Africa and beyond.

News Archive

Three from university now play SA u/21 hockey
2012-07-26

Tanya Brits in action.
20 July 2012

The University of the Free State (UFS) boasts three hockey players who have been included in the SA u/21 teams that will take part in the interprovincial hockey tournament for seniors during August 2012.

The two Protea players, Izelle Lategang (a second-year B.A. student), and Tanya Brits (a first-year B.A. Arts student), who toured with the Proteas in Europe during May and June this year, are the pride of the university. A further honour for the Kovsie Hockey Club was the naming of Izelle as captain of the SA u/21 team. Nicol Walraven from Eunice Girls’ School is also in the team. Nicol is the sister of Brett Walraven, who plays for both the Kovsies’ men’s first team and the Free State.

For the first time in more than 30 years, the university’s men’s hockey team has produced a SA u/21 player. Richard Pautz, a first-year B.A. student, played for the SA Schools team two years ago and made a return to hockey when he became a student of the UFS this year.

Two other students from this university, Cornelle Botha and Niel Roode, were in the final training group.
 

 

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