Pg 1, June/July Issue - the Voice, 2016 Editor’S Note

PG 1, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 EDITOR’S NOTE

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Ufh – The ‘Crucible Of African Intellect’ 2016 Graduation Ceremony: Dr Rever- end Makhekesi Stofile Inaugurated as 4 Chancellor Ufh Homecoming Event:Panel Discussion 6 Re-Enforcing The Quality Of Fort Hare 7 Alumni Provincial Africa Day Celebrations 8 10Th Robert Sobukwe Memorial Lecture 9 Chancellor’s Inaugural Dinner Media Statement On The University Of 10 Fort Hare’s State Of Readiness 11 We Will Not Be Silenced!”- Ufh Females Alongside Minister Bathabile Dlamini 12 Fort Hare Hosts Africa: SAAPAM 16Th Conference 13 Charlotte Maxeke Memorial Lecture 14 Toyota Graduate Programme 15 “What We Want”. A Student Perspective On Higher Education In South Africa 15 Booklaunch: The New Black Middle Class In South Africa 16 17

PG 2, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 EDITOR’S NOTE President and Alumni, Robert Mugabe & University of Fort hare, Chancellor Makhenkhesi Stofile take centre stage. May also saw the 2016 Graduation Ceremony where recent appointed chancellor Makhenkhesi Stofile conferred degrees for the first time. The institution proudly conferred a total of 2845 graduates including 39 PhD’s. These results reflect a significant increase in the overall total number of graduates, from 2015’s 2752. The centenary continues to move full steam ahead and we are looking forward to the Centenary Conference on Transformation and the University of Fort Hare is indeed more determined than KHOTSO MOABI ever to build on its distinctive and illustrious past. The confer- EDITOR IN CHIEF ence will be opened on the evening of the 3rd July 2016. The The June /July issue of the voice formal conference will take place from the 4-6 July 2016; and will is quite exciting as it cover the be preceded by preconference activities such as workshops, pol- May events; these included the icy seminars, and round table discussions from 1st-2nd July. The Presidential Centenary cele- conference is of international stature under the theme “Trans- bration events where we saw formation in Higher Education & Leadership: Looking back at a President Jacob Zuma joined Century of Intellectual and Scholarly Commitment in Africa”. This by African Union Commission Centenary conference will be jointly organised in collaboration chairlady Dr Nkosazana Dlamini with Universities South Africa (USAF), formerly HESA, and the De- - Zuma, as well as Zimbabwean partment of Higher Education and Training (DHET). MEET THE TEAM

MAWANDE MRASHULA TAMARA TUTU ATHI ZEMBE QHAMA NOVEVE EDITOR SUB-EDITOR WRITER WRITER

APHIWE Z NTLEMEZA NDUMISO MTSHALI PATIENCE NKALA WRITER PHOTOGRAPHER WRITER

PG 3, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 UFH – the ‘crucible of African Intellect’

20th of May saw the much anticipated centenary gest serving president, Oliver Tambo, Govan Mbeki, celebrations of the University of Fort Hare taking Mangosuthu Buthelezi and Christ Hani. Zimbabwe- place at the heritage Alice campus. Despite ongo- an President, Robert Mugabe spoke as an alumnus ing threats of protests by students and delay of the of the University and congratulated the institution programme, with masses waiting patiently for their on its centenary and for being the crucible of Afri- dignitaries, the presidential event was indeed a suc- can intellect, as he reminisced on his own times as a cess. President Zuma was joined by African Union student at the historic university. President Mugabe Commission Chairlady Dr Nkosazana Dlamini - Zuma, expressed his gratitude and appreciation to the Uni- as well as Zimbabwean President and Alumni, Robert versity of Fort Hare as this is the place he found his Mugabe. The university is one of the most historic identity, “here I was academically born, here I was heritage institutions in South Africa and the African transformed and here is where I truly discovered my continent. African identity”. The acclaimed Alumni further stip- ulated in his speech that Fort Hare was their Oxford, University of Fort Hare, Chancellor Makhenkhesi Sto- Cambridge & Yale. file has welcomed Alumni attending the centenary celebrations, “I would like to welcome you to what President Zuma used his speech at the University of I sometimes call my stomping ground is a very senti- Fort Hare (UFH’s) centenary celebrations on Friday mental responsibility on my part. Anybody who walks to lash out at those who claim people should resort through the gates of Fort Hare finds it very difficult to violent protests to attract government attention, to ever leave this part of the world. They come, they “students must reflect and think deeply about whose see and they get conquered. So, it’s our home all of interests they are serving when they all go out to us. Welcome home” he said. destroy the future of their country. Burning schools, libraries, and university buildings means burning the Earlier, President Jacob Zuma unveiled the design of future”, he commanded. President Zuma’s comments the new ZK Mathews house in the town of Alice and came amid the razing of UFH building by protesting Government has then announced that it will set aside students demanding their institution ‘immediately 13 million to refurbish the dilapidated ZK Mathews facilitate’ the signing of loan agreements for disad- house. Mathews was the first African to obtain a BA vantaged students, and release funds for meal and degree at the institution & utilized every moment and transport allowances-among other demands. opportunity to craft the path that he thought would Other dignitaries that attended the event were lead Africans to freedom. Speaker of the National Assembly of South Africa, Alongside, ZK Mathews, the University celebrates gi- Ms. Baleka Mbethe, Minister of Social Development ants such as Nelson Mandela, Robert Sobukwe, Rob- and ANCWL President, Bathabile Dlamini, EC Pre- ert Mugabe, Sir Seretse Khama of Botswana and Ntsu mier, Mr. Phumulo Musualle, and Ms. Naledi Pandor, Mokhetle prime minister of Lesotho. Among other the Minister of Science & Technology to mention a great struggle icons and intellectuals are ANC’s lon- few.

PG 4, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 PG 5, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 advantaged South African universities attain annual output rates of just over 2.0, this is an impressive comparison. Furthermore, Fort Hare believes that their research priorities and outputs actively contribute to the provincial and national priorities of addressing poverty, 2016 GRADUATIONinequality CEREMONY: and unemployment. In addition, five honorary doctorates are to be awarded over the course of the 2016 graduation season, one of which was presented on the 5th to Dr NAD Akufo-Addo (Doctor of DR REVEREND MAKHEKESILaws; Honoris Causa). STOFILE INAUGURATED ASWith regards CHANCELLOR to the ceremony, the overall atmosphere was initially serene, but livened as the conferring proceedings got underway, with parents ululating, applauding and crying tears of BY: TAMARA TUTU joy as the graduates walked across the stage.

DR REV M STOFILE DR NAD AKUFO-ADDO

The 5th of May 2016 marked the commence- to 1.5. When one considers that the top formerly ment of the University of Fort Hare Graduation advantaged South African universities attain an- season in its Centenary year. Fort Hare comes a nual output rates of just over 2.0, this is an im- long way, having its first academic graduate ZK pressive comparison. Furthermore, Fort Hare be- Matthews in 1923 and in 2016 the institution is lieves that their research priorities and outputs proudly conferring a total of 2845 graduates in- actively contribute to the provincial and national cluding 39 PhD’s. These results reflect a signifi- priorities of addressing poverty, inequality and cant increase in the overall total number of grad- unemployment. In addition, five honorary doctor- uates, from 2015’s 2752. The university will have ates are to be awarded over the course of the its second semester graduation and will see the 2016 graduation season, one of which was pre- number of graduates including PhD’s increase. sented on the 5th to Dr NAD Akufo-Addo (Doctor of Laws; Honoris Causa). The morning ceremony was particular import-Dr NAD Akufo-Addo ant and emotional for some, as it also saw the With regards to the ceremony, the overall atmo- th th inauguration of the new university Chancellor,Do sphere Note: Thewas 5initially and 6serene, of May but were livened the days as the designated for the East London campus th th Dr Reverend Makhenkesi Stofile, former Premiergraduation; conferring whereas proceedings the Alicegot underway, campus’ graduationwith par- ceremony occurred on the 11 , 12 and th of the Eastern Cape Province, former minister of13 ents of May.ululating, applauding and crying tears of joy sports and former ambassador of South AfricaBy: as Tamara the graduates Tutu walked across the stage. to Germany.Over the years, the University has continuously been dedicated to academic excel-WordDo Note:Count: The 310 5th and 6th of May were the days lence with an increase in graduates. It improved designated for the East London campus gradua- its academic output from an average of 0.5 ref- tion; whereas the Alice campus’ graduation cere- ereed papers per individual academic annually mony occurred on the 11th, 12th and 13th of May.

PG 6, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 UFH HOMECOMING EVENT: Panel Discussion BY: QHAMA NOVEVE

The University of Fort Hare as part of its Cente- dress the developmental needs of Africa as a nary Celebrations held a panel discussion with whole in relation to job creation. the main topic: Imagining Fort Hare in the Next Dr Somadoda Fikeni, a political analyst, without 100 Years. The event was well attended by both ignoring or downplaying the University’s achieve- students and staff at the ABC Hall, at the East ments made some very interesting and controver- London Campus. The host and former student sial points. In his opening statement, he stressed at Fort Hare, Aaron Moloitsi led an interesting the fact that universities should not only educate discussion where he asked questions that were but also play a role in moulding young people’s pertinent and interesting. characters to be able to contribute positively in society. The University in the policy context The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Fort should position itself and claim their role in the Hare, Dr Mvuyo Tom in his opening remarks high- 21st century. However, he posed the question of lighted the various achievements of the Universi- whether Fort Hare could escape the developmen- ty in the past 100 years, including the well-known tal dilemma of the Eastern Cape Province that is fact that the University has produced five African consequently preventing it from making greater presidents, as well as the fact that all sectors of strides in the right direction? Nomsa Mazwai, society have benefited from Fort Hare one way or now an artist and an alumnus at the University the other. Indeed the University have had some and the first female SRC president, in the same illustrious characters that have walked through breathe with the latter speaker pointed out to the doors of Alice campus and have indeed con- some of the shortfalls of the University. tributed in developing communities and nations at large. She said that Fort Harians should strive to trans- form Fort Hare into a world class African universi- The Chancellor of the University Dr Reverend ty, and the lack of social awareness and student Makhenkesi Stofile, who is also alumnus, point- engagement, the commodification of education, ed out to the fact that although the university and the lack of efficient and effective leadership has had so many achievements; there has been could be hindering this process. Mazwai, called a lack of research on the student population and on her fellow alumni, to play a role in improving the lack of community outreach. He however also and transforming the university by making any expressed his pride as an alumnus, as UFH has possible contribution possible, as many have be- indeed gone beyond the dreams of John Steward come what they are today because of the great in terms of knowledge production. UFH could do University of Fort Hare. more in future, with knowledge production which translates to development programmes and ad-

PG 7, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 very few African countries had attained their political independence from their colonizers… We therefore know [in] commemoration of this Africa day, our continent is steadily becoming integrated- we know that the vision established by our continental founding fathers was not in vain”.

Following the Premier’s speech, was the informal dialogue amongst several East London high schools who were debating on the controversial topic: “Should borders amongst African Countries be demolished?” Of the four schools, only one was against the idea. The Khoisan King, as well as a representative from ARISTA responded to the debate topic as well, and to no surprise, were for the demolition of borders across Africa.

Today, 54 African countries are part of the African Union and, in South Africa, it is slowly becoming second nature to sing the AU Anthem as well as the National Anthem- all individuals therefore need to get a copy of the AU Anthem and start practising…

By: Tamara Tutu

Word Count: 466

RE-ENFORCING THE QUALITY OF FORT HARE ALUMNI BY PATIENCE NKALA

WISEMAN NKUHLU WENDY LUHABE POLELO LAZARUS ZIM

It is only when we pause and take a moment to Lazarus Zim, Independent Non-Executive Direc- observe the alumni of an institution that we can tor for Sanlam Limited, Chairman of Afripalm Re- begin to measure the magnitude of the work it sources and Northam Platinum and member of Hon. Phumulo Masualle, Eastern Cape Premier does. Despite being a historically disadvantaged the Executive Council for the Chamber of Mines institution, whose survival was not guaranteed South Africa. Zim won the African Business Lead- at one point, our Fort Hare University, did not er of the Year award in 2005. To be noted as only manage to keep afloat but also has and well, Wendy Luhabe, South African businesswom- continues to produce renowned graduates who an, social entrepreneur and author. She worked have made it to the hall of fame in and outside of with Vanda Cosmetics and for the BMW Group South Africa in various spheres. and later founded Bridging the Gap, her first ex- ercise in social entrepreneurship. In addition to the famous political leaders who are products of Fort Hare University, there are She pioneered the founding of Women Invest- countless other alumni that are a reflection of ment Portfolio Holdings, which listed on the JSE the high quality of graduates produced by this in 1999, the year in which she was honoured as institution, whose works can best be summarised one of the 50 Leading Women Entrepreneurs of in books. We can talk of the likes of Wiseman the World. She also served as Chancellor of the Nkuhlu, the first black Chartered Accountant in University of Johannesburg. South Africa, after whom the Fort Hare accounting building is fondly named. We can talk in the same vein, of Sizwe Nxasana, He is the Chancellor of the University of Preto- Khaya Ngqula, Bulelani Ngcuka, Loyiso Nongxa, ria, former economic advisor to former South Irvin Khoza and Donald Ncube among many oth- African president Thabo Mbeki and a director er prominent Fort Hare alumni. Fort Hare is in- of a number of prestigious companies including deed a home of legends, an institution where Anglogold Ashanti Limited, Datatec Limited and greatness resides. Wesizwe Platinum. We can also point at Polelo

PG 8, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 very few African countries had attained their political independence from their colonizers… We therefore know [in] commemoration of this Africa day, our continent is steadily becoming integrated- we know that the vision established by our continental founding fathers was not in vain”.

By: Tamara Tutu

Word Count: 466

On the 25th of May, The Department of Sport, had the following to say: “We are here to reaffirm Recreation, Arts and Culture in collaboration our historic ties as African people and recommit with the University of Fort Hare hosted the whole ourselves never to dishonour the cause of free- of Africa under one roof, that is, Philip Kahts dom- for those who gave their lives for the free- Stadium, East London. Africa Day is celebrated dom we enjoy today. We are here to look back at Hon. acrossPhumulo the continent Masualle to commemorate, Eastern Cape the polit Premier- the path we have travelled since that momentous ical liberation of Africa from European colonial- day in 1963 where the OAU was formed; we know ism. The theme for 2016 is “Building a better Af- that at the time very few African countries had rica and a better World”; a world where peace is attained their political independence from their prominent and Africa is free from oppression on colonizers… We therefore know [in] commemora- all levels- a world where violence amongst our tion of this Africa day, our continent is steadily own international brothers and sisters is kept at becoming integrated- we know that the vision a minimum. established by our continental founding fathers The Provincial Africa Day Celebrations began was not in vain”. with an early-morning ‘Fun Run’, where South Following the Premier’s speech, was the infor- African citizens ran side-by-side citizens from mal dialogue amongst several East London high other African countries, reinforcing the idea that schools who were debating on the controversial we are all together in the same battle, and that topic: “Should borders amongst African Coun- there is no reason why we should fight with one tries be demolished?” Of the four schools, only another when our end-goals are the same. one was against the idea. The Khoisan King, as Inside the stadium, stalls were set up and dif- well as a representative from ARISTA responded ferent African countries as well as various South to the debate topic as well, and to no surprise, African sub-cultures were allowed to display were for the demolition of borders across Africa. clothes, ornaments and other products indig- Today, 54 African countries are part of the Af- enous to their country or culture. They were rican Union and, in South Africa, it is slowly be- also given the platform to entertain the crowd coming second nature to sing the AU Anthem with their original song and dance. Some Afri- as well as the National Anthem- all individuals can countries may, however, need to take a few therefore need to get a copy of the AU Anthem dance lessons from South Africans the next time and start practising… we host an event of this nature. Premier of the Eastern Cape, Honourable Phu- mulo Masualle was the key-note speaker and

PG 9, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 10TH ROBERT SOBUKWE MEMORIAL LECTURE BY PATIENCE NKALA

The University of Fort Hare, the Steve Biko said.Dr Garvey expressed that human civili- foundation and the Robert Sobukwe Trust zation began in Africa and therefore Africans co-hosted the 10th annual Robert Sobukwe should be leading and other continents fol- memorial lecture at the Steve Biko Centre as lowing. Unfortunately, cultural imperialism part of Africa day and the Fort Hare centena- produced permanent dependency and an in- ry celebrations. The lecture which was deliv- feriority complex amid Africans. After all, it is ered by Dr Julius Garvey, son to Marcus Gar- as Steve Biko once said, “The most powerful vey, pioneer of the Pan Africanism movement, weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the evoked the need for African people to think mind of the oppressed”. and dig up their history for themselves rather accepting Eurocentric ideologies. It therefore calls for every African to take a stand in the liberation of their mind. “In order Fort Hare Vice Chancellor, Dr Mvuyo Tom to survive and prosper, Africans must discard urged listeners to refrain from just consuming the European ideologies and create a new information from these lectures year in and paradigm” Garvey said. out with no action taken. The Lecture, a celebration of the contribu- tions of one of South Africa’s most prominent “Knowledge from the memorial lectures of sons of Pan Africanism Robert Mangaliso So- heroes such as Robert Sobukwe, one of Fort bukwe and his early expressions of an African Hare’s illustrious alumni should be used to ad- Renaissance, was indeed a success. vance the work they started and bring about positive change in the African continent”, he

PG 10, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 CHANCELLOR’S INAUGURAL DINNER BY: APHIWE NTLEMEZA

In preparation for Graduation week ahead, on rebuild this brand”. This comes after much antic- the 4th of May at the Mirriam Makeba Centre, ipated debates that there is a sense of division the University of Fort Hare hosted the chancel- between UFH alumni and the University. Prof. lor’s dinner as an official inauguration and wel- Thakati alluded to such in his speech and hopes coming dinner for the Honourable Dr, Reverend that such issues will be addressed properly. Makhenkhesi Stofile. The intimate dinner that The incoming chancellor, Dr Rev Stofile set the was sponsored by Standard Bank, included mood of the dinner by reminiscing on his past prominent key note speakers such as Dr Mvuyo experiences at the university and the key impor- Tom (Vice Chancellor of Fort Hare University), Mr tance of education and how the University should Phakade (Alumnus), Mr. Gary Markson (Provincial breed more capable, critical and knowledgeable head of Standard Bank), Prof Obi (DVC Academic leaders (as well as students) in the next 100 Affairs), and Mr. Mjekula (Deputy Chairperson of years. As a vote of thanks, Mr. Mjekula acknowl- Council). edged the chancellor as “a repository of knowl- The vice-chancellor, Dr. Mvuyo Tom, has ac- edge and history of UFH; he has the DNA of this knowledged this year’s chancellor’s dinner as town in him”. He further states that “Standard ‘the first chancellors’ dinner in this century of the Bank should build a residence or library here University of Fort Hare’. The VC further conced- at UFH, in PE we see Sanlam buildings; why not ed the 2875 graduates that will be graduating here?” Lastly, he stressed that as a university this centenary year (2016), and hopes that the we should be asking ourselves critical questions university will achieve an even greater pass rate, as to what the institution has done to benefit the the following year. community at large. The zealous alumnus, Mr Phakade pleads with Seemingly, the dinner served as a platform for the chancellor to “create a mechanism where the discussion of developmental issues that are this university does away of parasitic tendency. yet to be addressed, in order for the University Through your policy, we are keen as former stu- to achieve academic excellence for the next 100 dents to say we are here, we need to protect and years. PG 11, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 “WE WILL NOT BE SILENCED!”- UFH FEMALES ALONGSIDE MINISTER BATHABILE DLAMINI BY: APHIWE ZIYANDA NTLEMEZA

Honourable Minister Dlamini visited the Univer- seriously by management and society. sity of Fort Hare (East London Campus) to engage “Why do I have to stipulate my disability on my with female students on matters affecting them application form when I am not catered for on while studying at the institution. Students had campus? I remember coming to this building and robust discussions with the Minister in which they need to crawl up to the toilet because the toi- expressed their concerns over sexual abuse, at- let was so small my wheelchair could not fit in titudes towards LGBTI students, gender inequal- the toilet” contended Ms. Sinayo Makume (22), ity and lack of financial support for students at a physically disabled student doing her 2nd year the institution by social development. B.Com accounting degree at the University. She A powerful mood was set at the ABC hall as lives at SOS (Sixth On Station) residence and Minister Dlamini arrived for her dialogue with laments at the lack of infrastructure to support students at the University of Fort Hare. The di- disabled students in residences. Ms. Makume alogue forms part of the University’s centenary and others, state that they constantly struggle celebrations, with the assistance of the Indlovu- to attend classes. kazi Women Empowerment Organization on cam- Ms Inga Macingwane (3rd year LLB student) ad- pus. According to the Minister, this is one of the dressed Minister Dlamini on the inequality that Department of Social Development’s contribu- exists in toilets on campus with only male con- tions to the university. doms being supplied and not sanitary towels (or Minister Dlamini is the Chairperson of the In- female condoms for that matter). Students were ter-Ministerial Committee on Gender Based Vio- provided the opportunity to talk about the Uni- lence appointed by President Jacob Zuma to look versity of Fort Hare they would like to see for into the root causes of violence against women their own children. and children. Fort Hare like other institutions of “As a woman I just want my space and to be higher learning has been experiencing alarming recognised as a woman AND an equal” states cases of sexual assaults against female students. Minister Dlamini. The Minister of Social Devel- It is reported that 70 cases of rape were report- opment promised to interact with LGBTI commu- ed on campus in the past three years. nity, provide students with full bursary (social The female students had a silent demonstra- work students) and deal with issues of students tion prior the dialogue, and Mr. Brain Gallant, with disabilities studying at the institution. The the Dean of students, accepted a memorandum management has promised to respond to the fe- presented by a representative from Indlovukazi, male students within 30 days in terms of their Ms. Isasiphinkosi Mdingi on proposals to tackle demands; however they have alluded that some the growing incidents of gender-based violence demands will take serious consideration, even at the University of Fort Hare. The Indlovukazi from the University council. activists refuse to be silenced any longer about issues that affect them and demand to be taken

PG 12, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 FORT HARE HOSTS AFRICA: SAAPAM 16TH CONFERENCE BY PATIENCE NKALA

The 16th South African Association of ka Oguonu from the University of Nigeria Public Administration and Management shared the same sentiments as she said, (SAAPAM) conference which was hosted “If our governments continue being cor- by Fort Hare University from 2-4 May 2016, rupt we must forget an African continent at a time when the University is celebrat- that is free of poverty”. ing its centenary, saw intellectuals from Chairman of the Public Service Commis- across the African continent assembled sion, Advocate Sizani said the greatest together to debate and discuss matters challenge faced in public service is the of public service. The focus this year was abuse of the appointment process which sustaining the gains of good governance, results in the appointment of public ser- towards eradicating poverty, inequality, vants who lack the ability and conviction unemployment and corruption. to stand for what is right as well as the ability to deliver. “Academics in South Africa and in Africa In the words of Dr Mvuyo Tom, Fort Hare are partly to blame for the corruption that Vice Chancellor, “We all need to be pub- is soaring in the country and the continent lic goods in our communities of influence, – they need to be more proactive in setting individually and as organisations”. The up policies aimed at sustaining the gains conference was a great learning and net- of good governance,” suggests Professor working experience for both students and Ijeoma, from the Fort Hare Public Adminis- academics. tration Department. Most public officers push the selfish agen- da of self-glorification rather than service and hence corruption and poverty are inherent in public service offices. “If our councillors were elected because they are passionate about serving people instead of just adding to the line of corruption, the gains of good governance would be felt by people in rural areas,” says SAAPAM president Kennedy Maimela. Professor Chi-

PG 13, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 CHARLOTTE MAXEKE MEMORIAL LECTURE BY PATIENCE NKALA

Fort Hare University, the Department of So- plauded Charlotte Maxeke’s versatility and cial Development and Special Programs and dedication to finding solutions which informed Nkonkobe Municipality, hosted the Char- her everyday life. “She was a dynamic and lotte Maxeke Memorial Lecture, present- charismatic leader, teacher, politician and ed by National Assembly Speaker, Baleka social worker who was not afraid to enter pre- Mbete on the 16th of May 2016, at Middle- viously men dominated fields and challenge drift Multi-Purpose Centre. The Memorial the status quo and traditional protocol. She lecture which formed part of the Fort Hare laid a solid foundation for the development centenary festivities, preceded the presiden- of women in the country”, she said. Fort Hare tial celebrations scheduled for 20 May 2016. Vice Chancellor, Dr Mvuyo Tom also attested The event kick started by the naming of the that through the influences of Charlotte Max- Early Childhood Development Centre in Fort eke, man such as John Jabavu advocated for Beaufort after Maxeke, followed by a march the admission of female students into institu- against women and child abuse. tions of higher learning. Over a thousand people from a number of Maxeke was among the first female graduates the Eastern Cape communities including Fort in South Africa and she was the first social Hare students, attended the event. The at- worker. She worked tirelessly for the good of mosphere was marked by excitement as the the African people, particularly black women. crowds were singing, dancing and ululating in acknowledgement and celebration of a life well lived. Honourable Baleka Mbete ap-

TOYOTA GRADUATE PROGRAMME BY PATIENCE NKALA

Delegates from Toyota visited the University Toyota takes 30 to 50 students annually for of Fort Hare on 17 May 2016, to raise aware- their graduate programme and over the last 5 ness among B.Com students in their final years they have trained 250 candidates and year and beyond, regarding their graduate retained 90 percent of them. The programme programme which has been running for 5 is part of Toyota’s skills development initia- years. Students from both East London and tives that seeks to train young graduates and Alice packed the venue and were very excited make their transition into the work environ- about the event. Late comers would not take ment a little easier. Among the delegates no for an answer as they crammed into the was Odwa, a Fort Hare alumnus who shared already packed venue despite the sign on the a testimony of how the Toyota graduate pro- door which read “sorry we’re full”, preferring gramme has been beneficial to him and how to stand rather than miss out on a chance his knowledge has been enhanced in the pro- that could open doors to their future. cess of the training.

PG 14, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 “WHAT WE WANT”. A STUDENT PERSPECTIVE ON HIGHER EDUCATION IN SOUTH AFRICA BY PATIENCE NKALA

The Fort Hare Autumn School’s fifth anniversa- ry celebrations, held at Fort Hare University, centred on a fishbowl discussion by students, who cited their views on higher education in South Africa. The presence of Honourable Min- ister Jeff Radebe only made the event even more memorable. The pinnacle of the day was when the information-hungry students were given the opportunity to direct their questions to the Minister. The general feel was that students expect more from the education system than they are currently getting. It was expressed that education should not merely be a fandangle, but a tool relevant for tackling the problems of the very society in which it is administered. It therefore means curriculums should be current, with old theories used only as references. Students also showed discontentment for the fact that higher education is somehow exclusive to the elite and that the flawed quality of primary education led to the poor input at tertiary institutions. Students however noted the important fact that although the education system is expect- ed to produce employable graduates, education should not be reduced to a ticket for getting a job but rather, it should foster innovative thinking. Internships are however viewed by students as cheap labour and an exploitation of graduates by the government and the private sector. Students would rather have internships forming part of their studies at the third year level as a means of bridging the gap between the school and the work environment.

PG 15, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016 BOOKLAUNCH: THE NEW BLACK MIDDLE CLASS IN SOUTH AFRICA BY: QHAMA NOVEVE

On Africa Day, the University of Fort Hare welcomed Professor Roger Southhall. Professor Southhall who hails from the University of the Witwatersrand came to Fort Hare to launch his new and latest book called the “New Black Mid- dle Class in South Africa”.

As a Professor of sociology his book is rather interesting as it points out some socioeconomic dynamics taking place in post-apartheid South Africa. The main reasons why he decided to ex- amine this topic was, the fact that black people are a significant segment of the population yet not much research has been done on them in relation to this topic. He also wanted to take the opportunity to take a different approach, and counter the media’s infamous represen- tation of the black middle class as exotic, the persistent colonial narrative, and the overall creation of an ambivalent attitude towards the black middle class.

In his book he explores the racial polariza- tion that exist in the public and private sec- Other interesting social issues are being tor post-apartheid, and how black people still examined as well, which include the black measure their standards of success with that of middle class in relation to education, the white people hence they move to the suburbs, workplace, and politics in South Africa. send their children to former model C schools, Professor Southhall has written 14 books and are immersed in consumer culture. South- and is hoping to publish more work in the hall also looks into how the black middle class future. have always been regarded in a negative man- ner, in the light of the political climate across Africa, with raging poverty and disease, rebel- lions, and African governments who are oppres- sive and exploitative.

PG 16, JUNE/JULY ISSUE - THE VOICE, 2016