GALLERY: Premier gives nation building lecture
NEWTOWN – The sixth annual Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s lecture discusses nation building in context.
Premier David Makhura delivered the Ahmed Kathrada Foundation’s 2015 annual lecture on 21 November at the Sci-Bono Discovery Centre in Newtown. The sixth annual lecture focused on the challenges of nation building in post-apartheid South Africa and part of his lecture included reflections on lessons learned from his term as Gauteng Premier, since last year.
The event was attended by political stalwart Ahmed Kathradra, his wife former Minister of Public Enterprises Barbara Hogan, former president Kgalema Motlanthe, struggle veteran Shirish Nanabhai and the lecture reply was given by, philosopher and political scientist, Professor Achille Mbembe.
Makhura explained that nation building has always been about answering the question about what is a nation? He pointed out that the concept of a nation had undergone profound metamorphosis and transformation over the last two centuries.
“Previously the definition of what a nation is, included shared boundaries, common languages spoken, shared culture and history. Now the definition has evolved to include common heritage, shared values, vision and aspirations about the future,” he said.
#AKFLecture:Makhura-plurality must take account of race,class,gender, religion&culture.This is a complex process!
— Ismail Vadi (@ismailvadi) November 21, 2015
#AKFLecture Makhura: The debt between the rich and the poor is highest in our province.
— Masa Kekana (@MasaKekana) November 21, 2015
Congratulations Ntate @Lesufi on your @KathradaFound Award in fighting racism in School. Well deserved @DBE_SA @GautengProvince @EducationGP
— Sifiso Ngwenya (@SifisoNgwenya_1) November 21, 2015
@KathradaFound Makhura supports students’ calls for free education https://t.co/1JvuI1mJkF
— Neeshan Balton (@NeeshanB) November 22, 2015
Makhura noted the three key sub headings under the topic. These were national identity, state formation and socio-economic transformation and development which he added were part and parcel of nation building.
“Nation building means different things to different nations and with South Africa playing a very key role in positing another view of what a nation is, it is highlighted through national identity,” Makhura said.
He further added that in anti-colonial and liberation struggle context nation building assumes a particular character and takes each particular emphasis to certain things. “In African, Asian and Latin American countries that have gone through oppressive regimes that have experienced racism, tribalism, ethnic and religious conflicts, nation building was of the utmost importance as it shaped the identity of that country,” he said.
Makhura highlighted that nation building must address the question of justice and equity and all elements thereof must be about freedom and rights. “Rights and freedom once won, can never be taken away and any efforts whether it is through the State or any organised group in society must be stopped, as rights and freedoms can only be expanded,” he added.
