Public Lectures
Public Lectures
An Inspiring Public Lecture on Human Rights Day on a Deep Dive into the Right to Education in South Africa
The University of Venda (UNIVEN) proudly commemorated Human Rights Day with an insightful public lecture addressing one of the most fundamental rights in any democratic society: The Right to Education. Organised by the Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights of the Faculty of Management and Law (FMCL) and the Department of
Marketing, Branding and Communication, the event was held at the UNIVEN Research Conference Centre on 18 March 2025. It brought together about 150 participants, including representatives of the South African Human Rights Commission, the Department of Education, Traditional Communities, Non-governmental Organisations, students, and staff
members, to engage in a thought-provoking discussion led by an eminent scholar in the field of human rights Prof Tshepo Madlingozi, a full-time Commissioner with South African Human Rights Commission.
Prof Tshepo Madlingozi, a Full-time South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) Commissioner In his lecture titled: The Right to Education and its Role in the Resolution of the National Question, Prof Tshepo Madlingozi rose to the occasion and expectations of the event. With his extensive experience in legal and social justice advocacy,
Prof Madlingozi unpacked the critical importance of ensuring equitable access to quality education for all South Africans. He explained that education has a huge role in nation-building, and to ensure this, an academic must see himself first as a member of the community that must be served. Prof Madlingozi highlighted also the role of
education in re-membering Africa. This term requires that education for students and scholars should mean identification with the masses and service to Africa. Re-membering Africa is key owing to cross-cutting issues which need to be resolved, including the problems of land dispossession, displacement, racial proletarianisation, cultural
subjugation, the irruption of Western modernity and the severance of the cosmic harmony between the land, non-human beings and the onto-triadic community constituted by the living, the living-dead/continuing persons and the yet-to-be-born. He also examined structural issues in South Africa’s education system, including infrastructure deficits,
racial discrimination, and socioeconomic disparities. “Reports from different provinces reveal challenges such as inadequate school facilities, lack of scholar transport, pit latrines, and discrimination in schools based on race, culture, and sexual orientation,” he stressed. Prof Madlingozi said SAHRC’s efforts in addressing these concerns
include launching investigations, advocating for policy reforms, and promoting diversity and equality through initiatives like the Model School Code of Conduct and the SHiNE campaign.
Additionally, his presentation highlighted broader human rights challenges, including the impact of the July 2021 unrest, ongoing racial discrimination, and the inefficiencies of Equality Courts. He discussed SAHRC’s involvement in legal cases addressing hate speech and unfair discrimination and its role in monitoring and addressing systemic
injustices in various sectors. In all, the presentation by Commissioner, Prof Tshepo Madlingozi reinforced the critical role of education in addressing South Africa’s historical injustices and ongoing socio-economic challenges. His presentation emphasised that education should not be seen in isolation but as a tool for nation-building and
community service, particularly for the black oppressed community. Prof Madlingozi’s discussion highlights the importance of education in reclaiming African identity, resisting cultural subjugation, and addressing systemic inequalities stemming from colonialism and apartheid. The overall message calls for a reimagined education system and legal
framework that actively contributes to social justice, equality, and the recognition of human dignity in post-apartheid South Africa. The lecture was followed by an engaging panel discussion where students, faculty members, and community stakeholders posed questions and shared their perspectives. A common theme in the discussions was the pressing
need for government intervention to address infrastructural and resource disparities, especially in rural areas.
In commemoration of the Human Rights Day, Advocate Bongani Majola reflects on the right to access health care services in South Africa
On 18 March 2024, the University of Venda’s Ismail Mahomed Centre for Human and Peoples’ Rights in the Faculty of Management Commerce and Law hosted a Human Rights Day Public Lecture. The distinguished guest speaker for this event was the former Chairperson of the South African Human Rights Commission Advocate Bongani Majola. The event aimed at enlightening the University of Venda (UNIVEN) community about the prevalent violations of human rights in South Africa, with a particular focus on the right to healthcare services. During the Public Lecture, Advocate Majola clearly reviewed the state of healthcare services in South Africa and explained strategies that individuals can adopt to advocate for and advance it in their communities. The lecture served as a significant platform for fostering awareness and understanding, shedding light on existing gaps in knowledge and practice that necessitate both immediate and future interventions. Advocate Bongani Majola, drawing from his extensive expertise in human rights issues in South Africa, helped in identifying challenges, proposed potential interventions, and formulating approaches to effectively promote and advance the human rights of affected populations in the country. The event was attended by 130 participants. Advocate Majola noted that the month of March is commemorated as human rights month, which presents us all with a unique opportunity to reflect on our democracy and its underpinning commitment to human rights.
