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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

A & M Foundation to empower youth
2016-10-25

Description: ’Manapo UFS cross-country    Tags: UFS cross-country

Margo Fargo and Andricia Hinckemann,
the co-founders of the A & M Foundation.
Photo: Supplied

“Knowing that we are changing the lives of generations to come is motivation enough for me to wake up every day.”

These are the words of Andricia Hinckemann and Margo Fargo, the co-founders of the A & M Foundation. The foundation aims to empower young learners by providing greater platforms for social growth and development, allowing learners to be agents of change.

Going beyond textbook scopes

Andricia, a finalist of Miss Commonwealth 2016, is currently doing her Masters in Labour Law at the University of the Free State (UFS). Fargo is doing her Honours in BSc Consumer Science at the UFS. She is also the first princess for Miss Mamelodi Sundowns 2016 and a brand ambassador for Kalos Collections.

Margo says knowing it is no longer just about herself is more than enough to keep her going. “Be eager to learn beyond the scope of your textbooks and never limit yourself to your field of study,” she says.

Motivation to go the extra mile

The foundation specifically focuses on high school pupils, and helps build confidence among young adults in order that they become active social agents. “It’s about finding an identity irrespective of the circumstances you are in and developing townships to unlearn bad habits such as drug and alcohol abuse that have been instilled in these communities,” says Andricia.

Their main goal is to build something that is sustainable. “We want to go international and fund a group of high school pupils through tertiary education at any institution in the world.”

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