Thabo Mbeki African School of Public & International Affairs

OP-ED | We will read Professor Jason Arday’s work into eternity and carry his intellectual legacy forward

The death of Professor Jason Arday, a British Sociology professor at Cambridge University, is a loss to scholarship and a reminder that intellectual projects must outlive those who begin them.

https://www.conviction.co.za/jason-arday/?amp=1

Unisa - The University of South Africa

We will read Professor Jason Arday’s work into eternity and carry his intellectual legacy forward | Conviction Professor Jason Arday’s death is a profound loss, but his intellectual legacy challenges African scholars to continue questioning knowledge, power and empire.

WATCH | The seminar will discuss the African Renaissance and the leadership values of the Basotho King, Morena Moshoeshoe I, within the broader context of African Leadership, including but not limited to Thought Leadership, Servant Leadership, and Transformational Leadership.

YouTube Link: https://www.youtube.com/live/PHbYRbkFZ-Q?si=CBT3CAVVUgCvAKqf

Unisa - The University of South Africa

Advancing African Solidarity Through the General History of Africa Project.

The TM-School Dean, Prof. Edith Phaswana, and the Director of Research and Knowledge Hub, Prof. Ndlovu, recently visited several institutions as part of the General History of Africa Project, hosted by the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs in collaboration with SADET and UNESCO.

The project seeks to ensure that the SADET Road to Democracy book series, particularly its important account of African solidarity and the continent’s shared liberation history, reaches wider audiences across Africa through innovative multimedia platforms.

The first phase of the project will focus on the SADC region, engaging institutions, scholars, policymakers and other stakeholders to ensure that this history is preserved, accessible and relevant to younger generations.

During the engagements, the delegation met with:

* His Excellency Cachalia Saad, High Commissioner to Zambia;
* Prof. Ndulo, Founder and Management of the Southern African Institute for Policy Advisory and Research (SAIPAR);
* Prof. Bbenkele, Vice Chancellor of ZCAS University, and his team; and
* Prof Manenga , Mr Zulu and Ms from the University of Zambia.

These engagements are an important step towards strengthening continental partnerships and ensuring that Africa’s history of solidarity, liberation and political transformation is documented and communicated through platforms that speak to present and future generations.

The history of Africa must not only be preserved—it must be made accessible, shared and owned by Africans.

Today's article is by Dr Koli Matebese-Notshulwana and is titled "Legislative Oversight as a Critical Component in Repositioning African Countries for a More Engaged Role in the World".

You can read it here: https://buff.ly/30uJaQ5

"In democratic systems of governance with separation of the powers of the executive, judiciary and legislature, the legislative component has a unique role in the operationalisation of statecraft. Legislative oversight is entrusted with important areas to make governance work and governments to be successful in fulfilling their responsibilities through their critical roles, which are law making, exercising oversight over the executive, facilitating public participation and promoting cooperative governance. However, African countries have not been able to leverage the key functions and responsibilities of legislative oversight to ensure good governance, drive developments and position African states for a more engaged role in the world."

The Thabo Mbeki School invites you to a seminar on African Renaissance
and SeMOSHOESHOE IN THE CONTEXT OF AFRICAN LEADERSHIP.

The seminar will discuss the African Renaissance and the leadership values of the Basotho King, Morena Moshoeshoe I, within the broader context of African Leadership, including but not limited to Thought Leadership, Servant Leadership, and Transformational Leadership.

Scan the QR CODE or click this link to RSVP: https://buff.ly/ypsvsLC.

Today, the Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs at Unisa, in partnership with the Free State Provincial Legislature, hosts a Community High-Level Seminar at the Central University of Technology (CUT) Hotel School in Bloemfontein.

The seminar, themed “The State of Local Government, Elections and the Rule of Law in the Free State: Advancing Ethical Leadership and Public Service in the Spirit of Mama Charlotte Makgomo Mannya Maxeke,” will bring together government leaders, legislators, academics, traditional leaders, civil society organisations, and community members to reflect critically on governance, service delivery, electoral integrity, and constitutional democracy in the Free State Province.

An hour to go!

Join our webinar on Agriculture as a Catalyst for Sustainable Livelihoods, Food Security and an Inclusive Economy.

Register: https://buff.ly/vNcNJy7

WEBINAR INVITATION - Agriculture as a Catalyst for Sustainable Livelihoods, Food Security & Inclusive Economy.

Presenters: Dr Nthabeleng Malope & Dr Luyanda Mtshali

Date: 13 August 2026
Time: 9:30am to 1pm

Register: https://buff.ly/vNcNJy7

ABSTRACT:

South Africa continues to face persistent challenges of poverty, unemployment, inequality and food insecurity, particularly within rural and peri-urban communities. The reviewed study demonstrates that community-based agricultural projects have significant potential to empower communities, create sustainable livelihoods, generate income, and strengthen food security. The research conducted in the Sedibeng District Municipality found that agricultural projects not only provide employment and income opportunities but also promote social cohesion, skills development, entrepreneurship and community resilience.

Despite these successes, the study highlights ongoing challenges, including limited access to finance, inadequate infrastructure, poor market access, climate-related risks, insufficient technical skills, and low participation of young people in agriculture. This seminar seeks to provide a platform for researchers, policymakers, practitioners, industry, community organisations and emerging scholars to engage in evidence-based discussions on innovative approaches to strengthening agriculture as a driver of sustainable development. The seminar aims to stimulate scholarly dialogue and practical solutions that position agriculture as a strategic sector for sustainable livelihoods, economic growth, food security, climate resilience and inclusive development.