By Phindile Shange and Amanda Mbambo
Speaking at Dr John Langalibalele Dube Annual Public Lecture at the Elangeni Hotel in Durban, the University of South Africa (UNISA) vice-chancellor highlighted the lasting legacy and lessons learnt from the founding president of the ANC.
The lecture was organised by UNISA and the KwaZulu-Natal Office of the Premier on 6 September 2024. Notable figures in attendance included premier Thami Ntuli.
Professor Puleng LenkaBula said that Dube’s legacy continues to impact significantly on South African modern society.
Dube was a South African writer, philosopher, educationist, politician and founding president of the South African Native National Congress, which later became the ANC.
This year’s lecture focused on community engagement and collaboration, which according to LenkaBula, underscored Dube’s emphasis on empowerment and collective action for overcoming challenges and promoting progress.
“A remarkable personality that a century later he’s remembered as South Africa’s visionary and excellent intellectual. The life of Dube still shapes the livelihoods of people to this day.”
She further said that Dube’s unwavering passion for education continues to inspire youth, leaving a legacy of knowledge and empowerment that continues to resonate in today’s society.
“Dube ideas still shape the youth’s education until this day. The vision of his excellence still shapes our past and present.”
One of the speakers, Faith Khanyile, a financial services businesswoman and an advocate for women empowerment, said Dube’s concept of collective action is crucial to achieving achievement, and contributing to positive change in communities and future generations.
“I was inspired by Dube’s guidance. I knew that he would be key to building a better future for our country by empowering our communities, particularly women and youth, to take control of businesses through education,” she said.
Langa Dube, the grandson, expressed gratitude to UNISA and the KZN Office of the Premier for honouring his grandfather’s legacy. “150 years since UNISA has been running, this shows that the (Dube’s) legacy will continue to live on.”
The organisers underscored the importance of recognising past icons in today’s society and educating young people about their past.
