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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

Roelf Meyer – Inaugural Recipient of the UFS Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus Award
2015-08-17

The University of the Free State is pleased to announce that Roelf Meyer is the inaugural recipient of the Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus Award.

A lawyer by profession, Roelf Meyer’s contributions to the human interests of South Africa are immeasurable. Advocate Meyer’s current work in business and consultancy on peace processes around the globe benefits from his historic role as chief negotiator for the National Party (NP) alongside Cyril Ramaphosa, chief negotiator for the African National Congress (ANC).

Meyer will receive the award from the university on 29 August 2015 at the first annual Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus Awards Luncheon.

The Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus Award initiates a tradition at the University of the Free State that will honour excellent alumni who model superior academic and/or human achievement. Selected recipients embody the spirit of a transformed, inclusive society, and the modernised intent of the University of the Free State.The guest speaker will be Nozizwe Madlala-Routledge, Executive Director of Inyathelo, and a renowned politician.

The Luncheon will be held on Saturday, 29 August 2015 at 12h00 in the Reitz Hall of the Centenary Complex on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus. Entrance to all events is free of charge.
For concert tickets, please contact Institutional Advancement at 051 401 3966/9343 or alumni@ufs.ac.za.

The Chancellor’s Distinguished Alumnus Award and Luncheon are anchor initiatives for Reunion Weekend 2015, which takes place on 28-29 August. Please visit the alumni web site for additional information about the weekend’s activities.

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