Page 44 - DUT Excellence

MAGUBANE’S BOOK EXPLORES LOVEIN THE ERA OF
former Pan Africanist Congress member and was a recipient of the Order of Ikamanga in Silver in 2014 for his excellent contribution in the eld of literature. Prof Mda completed his PhD at the University of Cape Town (UCT). He also holds the MFA in Theatre and a MA in Telecommunications from Ohio University. He is an Adjunct Professor in Creative Writing at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore, Professor Emeritus of English at Ohio University, and guest lecturer in Playwriting at Towson University for 2021 and 2022,” said Prof Pearce.
Prof Pearce echoed that Prof Mda’s illustrious career has distinguished him among his peers. He stated that his work is an inspiration to many institutions all over the world and to everyone who has worked with him. Prof Pearce added that DUT students shall draw much inspiration from his life as a literary giant, activist and academic.
In his acceptance speech the elated Prof Mda said that he is highly honoured by the honorary doctorate and grateful to DUT for it. He said that he would have loved to have been at DUT in person as he has fond memories of the time he spent there three years ago when the University invited him to deliver a lecture on Ancient African Civilisations. Prof Mda stated that he had wonderful interactions with academics and received enthusiastic feedback from students.
“I am pleased to announce that following from that enthusiastic
reception of DUT students, I decided to expand that lecture into a book that will be launched in July this year. The objective is to explore the history of Africa that African students are never taught. Even here in Africa, the history that they are taught begins with the coming of the white men, before that, Africa is not supposed to have had any history.With this work I am to correct that. I believe that any anti-colonial projects and decolonisation process must begin by decentralising whiteness. It is important for a black child to internalise a new mindset that we have not always been slaves. Our history does not begin with slavery and colonisation,” said Prof Mda. In his message to the DUT students, Prof Mda said that his generation of resistance won them (students) the freedom, however, they also became the generation of nepotism and patronage of utter corruption. He said that it is his generation that is busy destroying South Africa but he hoped that the students’ generation will liberate this country from his generation.
“Young people have taken their lives into their own hands and are kicking open doors that were previously closed to us, without waiting from any manna from government heaven.They are active participants in international markets and arenas at the highest level. Young men and women of action are innovators.All of them earn a lot of foreign exchange for South Africa. Go join their ranks, you will be alright,” he said.
Simangele Zuma
Young people have taken their lives into their own hands and are kicking open doors that were previously closed to us, without waiting from any manna from government heaven. They are active participants in international markets and arenas at the highest level. Go join their ranks, you will be alright. – Prof Zakes Mda
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