As part of its Africa Month commemorations, the University of the Free State (UFS) recently hosted its first Ancestors Day celebrations on the Bloemfontein Campus. Organised by the Department of Religion Studies, the event brought together scholars, students, and community members for two days of vibrant cultural expression and critical academic reflection.
This inaugural celebration held from 8 to 9 May 2025, honoured the invaluable contributions of African ancestors to leadership, spirituality, and democratic values. Through a compelling combination of music, dance, poetry, and panel discussions, participants were invited to reflect on the importance of ancestral heritage in shaping contemporary African identity and values.
Reclaiming marginalised voices
A highlight of the event was a diverse programme of academic presentations, each offering unique insights into African spirituality, leadership, and cultural continuity. Key presentations included:
- ‘Remembering Isaiah Shembe of the Nazareth Baptist Church’, by Mlungisi Hlabisa, which examined the marginalisation of Isaiah MM Shembe, founder of the Nazareth Baptist Church, and the AmaNazaretha. Drawing on postcolonial theory, the presentation challenged the notion that the AmaNazaretha were voiceless, arguing instead that their voices were simply inaudible to colonial and missionary ears. The work also addressed continued perceptions of Shembe as the “Other”, asking questions such as, “Who was Shembe? What did he stand for? Why was his legacy delegitimised? And how did he die?”
- ‘African Chieftaincy (Bogosi): Leadership, Dictatorial, Democratic, or Participative’, which explored traditional leadership models in African societies and their relevance to modern governance frameworks.
- ‘The Rite to Ancestorship in the Basotho Nation: Rituals, Beliefs, and Cultural Continuity’, by Seithati Ramonaheng, which highlighted the enduring power of ritual and belief in maintaining Basotho identity across generations.
- ‘Ancestors, Naming and Symbolic Inheritance: A Case of the Abanyole of Kenya’, by Dr Loreen Maseno, Senior Lecturer in the Department of Religion, Theology and Philosophy at Kenya’s Maseno University, which explored naming practices and symbolic inheritance as central tools in maintaining ancestral presence and cultural identity.
Honouring Africa Month through dialogue and celebration
These contributions sparked meaningful conversations on African knowledge systems, indigenous spirituality, and the complex intersections of culture, identity, and leadership in postcolonial societies.
“This event was more than a celebration, it was a reclamation of voice, space, and dignity,” one attendee said. “Through critical reflection and cultural expression, we honoured those who came before us and reaffirmed their relevance to our present and future.”
The Ancestors Day celebrations served as a powerful reminder of UFS’s dedication to inclusive scholarship and the promotion of African heritage. As part of its broader Africa Month activities, the university continues to champion spaces where diverse voices and histories are acknowledged, respected, and celebrated.