Meeting President Jerry Rawlings at the African Presidential Roundtable
Friday, April 15, 2005
Thursday, April 14, 2005
Presidents on Campuses
Bate Felix
IT IS February 2010, the beginning of the academic year. Politics 101 has been moved from the usual venue to the Great Hall in Senate House to accommodate the over 1000 students that have signed up for the course.
Not that the course work has been made any easier, or that there’s an assured pass. It is just that the lecturer this semester is none other than former president Thabo Mbeki.
Dreaming? Not really, if plans underway succeed. The programme is called president-in-residence. It comprises of former heads of states donning the academic robe to dispense knowledge and, most importantly, their experiences to leaders of the future generation. It has already started at Boston University, America, and Wits will soon host one.
What is the point, ask cynics? What is the point of getting lectures on politics, democracy, human rights and management from some leaders who could clearly have done a better job of it? But this is a great opportunity.
According to former Ambassador Charles Stith, director of the African Presidential Archive and Research Center in Boston University and initiator of the program, it has a dual purpose.
First of all, it will “provide an opportunity for democratically elected African leaders to transition to civilian status by providing a venue that will value and utilize the experience and expertise of these unique individuals”. It will also “provide the university and broader community with access to these leaders”.
Encouraging “democratically elected” leaders to leave when their mandate is over would be welcomed in most African countries where presidents tend to cling to power by all “democratic means necessary”. Some claim they need to remain in power because they still have something to offer future generations. Now they have the ideal vehicle to do so - out of office.
Imagine what fun it would be, discussing agrarian reforms with comrade Bob, or unpacking Machiavelli with the late Mobutu of DRC. My favourite would be the “secret of longevity in power” with Omar Bongo from Gabon who has managed to “democratically” remain in power since 1967. On the other hand, imagine discussing Nepad or unpacking the realities of policy implementation in developing economies with Mbeki and Abdoulaye Wade. I can’t wait.
IT IS February 2010, the beginning of the academic year. Politics 101 has been moved from the usual venue to the Great Hall in Senate House to accommodate the over 1000 students that have signed up for the course.
Not that the course work has been made any easier, or that there’s an assured pass. It is just that the lecturer this semester is none other than former president Thabo Mbeki.
Dreaming? Not really, if plans underway succeed. The programme is called president-in-residence. It comprises of former heads of states donning the academic robe to dispense knowledge and, most importantly, their experiences to leaders of the future generation. It has already started at Boston University, America, and Wits will soon host one.
What is the point, ask cynics? What is the point of getting lectures on politics, democracy, human rights and management from some leaders who could clearly have done a better job of it? But this is a great opportunity.
According to former Ambassador Charles Stith, director of the African Presidential Archive and Research Center in Boston University and initiator of the program, it has a dual purpose.
First of all, it will “provide an opportunity for democratically elected African leaders to transition to civilian status by providing a venue that will value and utilize the experience and expertise of these unique individuals”. It will also “provide the university and broader community with access to these leaders”.
Encouraging “democratically elected” leaders to leave when their mandate is over would be welcomed in most African countries where presidents tend to cling to power by all “democratic means necessary”. Some claim they need to remain in power because they still have something to offer future generations. Now they have the ideal vehicle to do so - out of office.
Imagine what fun it would be, discussing agrarian reforms with comrade Bob, or unpacking Machiavelli with the late Mobutu of DRC. My favourite would be the “secret of longevity in power” with Omar Bongo from Gabon who has managed to “democratically” remain in power since 1967. On the other hand, imagine discussing Nepad or unpacking the realities of policy implementation in developing economies with Mbeki and Abdoulaye Wade. I can’t wait.
MTHEMBU: AN INTELLECTUAL WITH A SOCIAL CONSCIENCE
Bate Felix
Those who know him describe him as an intellectual with a social conscience; Professor Thandwa Zizwa Mthembu describes himself as “a simple man”. A mathematician by training, Mthembu does not hesitate to use unorthodox methods to find solutions.
His childhood friend, Rhodes University professor of mathematics Sizwe Mabizela recalls Mthembu’s reaction to a Biblical story about 10 maidens waiting for grooms. Five clever maidens had brought oil for their lamps; the other five did not and therefore were not married. Mthembu, then a high school pupil, was critical that the five clever maidens had not reminded their peers to bring oil too.
In 2002, at the age of 39, Mthembu became the youngest deputy vice-chancellor of Wits, in charge of partnership and development. He applies the same attitude he had to the Bible story when it comes to the issues he deals with in his functions at the helm of the university.
“I think I am a simple person. Sometimes people find me pedantic, but I believe I am straightforward and logical. It comes, I think, because of my background as a mathematician,” says Mthembu.
Born in Hlazakazi (near Isandlwana Mount) in KwaZulu-Natal, on 12 January 1963, Mthembu grew up in Ethalaneni in Nkandla where he attended primary school under the tutelage of his father, who was headmaster. “I learnt the art of leadership, hard work and responsibility at a very early age as my father got us involved in all his work,” he remembers.
After matric, Mthembu obtained a scholarship to study mining engineering at Pietersburg Technikon, but he left after six months when he realised the programme was not challenging enough. But it was not a complete waste of time: “One thing he did learn there was ballroom dancing, including rumba and cha cha,” says Mabizela.
Mthembu taught at a secondary school for six months before registering for a BSc at Fort Hare in 1981. Graduating with an Honours in Mathematics in 1985, he obtained a scholarship to pursue his Masters at Vanderbilt University in America.
On his return, he registered for a PhD in Mathematics at Wits, which he obtained in 1991. Mthembu went back to the US to continue his postdoctoral studies at Ohio State University. He was thinking of making a career there when events in South Africa made him change his mind.
From the US, Mthembu observed the transformation process in the country, especially in the higher education sector. “There were so many things that were not in keeping with the new ethos. I think that’s what started to make me raise so many questions among my colleagues. Watching how issues were managed, I began to think that I wouldn’t do worse,” he recalls.
“Instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining, I opted to return and contribute to the transformation process. I wanted to put to test some of my ideas because I believe unless you are in a position to do something; you will never get the opportunity to prove yourself right or wrong.”
Since his return in 1994, Mthembu has applied his intellect and leadership qualities in the various positions he has held: senior lecturer, associate professor, head of department, campus principal and deputy vice-chancellor – at the universities of the North, Vista and Durban-Westville, and currently at Wits University.
Abandoning his academic gown for tailored suits and elegant print shirts, Mthembu hasn’t lost any of the amiable qualities that his PhD supervisor Prof. Doron Lubinsky and colleague Prof. Kathy Driver, head of the Maths department, noted in him. “I recall his friendliness, his principled beliefs,” says Lubinsky, who attended a conference with Mthembu in Italy, after which the two went sightseeing together.
Driver, who completed her PhD at the same time as Mthembu, recalls how Lubinsky used to expect them to come up with new theorems each week. “It is true to admit that there were some weeks during the three years when I would knock on Thandwa’s door (or he on mine) and say: “Me? None. Zip. Zero. Brain blocked. So, how many great new theorems do YOU have to share with Doron this week?” recalls Driver.
“Passers-by who stopped to share the joke that was assumed to be the cause of so much laughter always hurried away, completely reassured that all mathematicians are mad.”
Wits nearly lost the services of Mthembu as he applied for the vice-chancellorship positions at the University of the North West and Durban Institute of Technology. “I wanted to leave because I thought at one point Wits didn’t need my skills anymore. But I was later convinced that I still had a lot to offer.”
Those who know him describe him as an intellectual with a social conscience; Professor Thandwa Zizwa Mthembu describes himself as “a simple man”. A mathematician by training, Mthembu does not hesitate to use unorthodox methods to find solutions.
His childhood friend, Rhodes University professor of mathematics Sizwe Mabizela recalls Mthembu’s reaction to a Biblical story about 10 maidens waiting for grooms. Five clever maidens had brought oil for their lamps; the other five did not and therefore were not married. Mthembu, then a high school pupil, was critical that the five clever maidens had not reminded their peers to bring oil too.
In 2002, at the age of 39, Mthembu became the youngest deputy vice-chancellor of Wits, in charge of partnership and development. He applies the same attitude he had to the Bible story when it comes to the issues he deals with in his functions at the helm of the university.
“I think I am a simple person. Sometimes people find me pedantic, but I believe I am straightforward and logical. It comes, I think, because of my background as a mathematician,” says Mthembu.
Born in Hlazakazi (near Isandlwana Mount) in KwaZulu-Natal, on 12 January 1963, Mthembu grew up in Ethalaneni in Nkandla where he attended primary school under the tutelage of his father, who was headmaster. “I learnt the art of leadership, hard work and responsibility at a very early age as my father got us involved in all his work,” he remembers.
After matric, Mthembu obtained a scholarship to study mining engineering at Pietersburg Technikon, but he left after six months when he realised the programme was not challenging enough. But it was not a complete waste of time: “One thing he did learn there was ballroom dancing, including rumba and cha cha,” says Mabizela.
Mthembu taught at a secondary school for six months before registering for a BSc at Fort Hare in 1981. Graduating with an Honours in Mathematics in 1985, he obtained a scholarship to pursue his Masters at Vanderbilt University in America.
On his return, he registered for a PhD in Mathematics at Wits, which he obtained in 1991. Mthembu went back to the US to continue his postdoctoral studies at Ohio State University. He was thinking of making a career there when events in South Africa made him change his mind.
From the US, Mthembu observed the transformation process in the country, especially in the higher education sector. “There were so many things that were not in keeping with the new ethos. I think that’s what started to make me raise so many questions among my colleagues. Watching how issues were managed, I began to think that I wouldn’t do worse,” he recalls.
“Instead of sitting on the sidelines and complaining, I opted to return and contribute to the transformation process. I wanted to put to test some of my ideas because I believe unless you are in a position to do something; you will never get the opportunity to prove yourself right or wrong.”
Since his return in 1994, Mthembu has applied his intellect and leadership qualities in the various positions he has held: senior lecturer, associate professor, head of department, campus principal and deputy vice-chancellor – at the universities of the North, Vista and Durban-Westville, and currently at Wits University.
Abandoning his academic gown for tailored suits and elegant print shirts, Mthembu hasn’t lost any of the amiable qualities that his PhD supervisor Prof. Doron Lubinsky and colleague Prof. Kathy Driver, head of the Maths department, noted in him. “I recall his friendliness, his principled beliefs,” says Lubinsky, who attended a conference with Mthembu in Italy, after which the two went sightseeing together.
Driver, who completed her PhD at the same time as Mthembu, recalls how Lubinsky used to expect them to come up with new theorems each week. “It is true to admit that there were some weeks during the three years when I would knock on Thandwa’s door (or he on mine) and say: “Me? None. Zip. Zero. Brain blocked. So, how many great new theorems do YOU have to share with Doron this week?” recalls Driver.
“Passers-by who stopped to share the joke that was assumed to be the cause of so much laughter always hurried away, completely reassured that all mathematicians are mad.”
Wits nearly lost the services of Mthembu as he applied for the vice-chancellorship positions at the University of the North West and Durban Institute of Technology. “I wanted to leave because I thought at one point Wits didn’t need my skills anymore. But I was later convinced that I still had a lot to offer.”
FORMER AFRICAN HEADS OF STATES AT WITS UNIVERSITY
Bate Felix
WITS University last week hosted the third African Presidential Roundtable that saw the participation of 11 former African heads of state.
An initiative of Boston University’s African Presidential Archives and Research enter (APARC), the roundtable seeks to give individuals and institutions opportunities that can directly impact development in Africa though various forms of discussions and initiatives with the former heads of states and decision makers.
In the first leg of this year’s roundtable held at the Wits Alumni club on west campus, the former heads of states, students and faculty members, members of government and business leaders focused discussions on issues which are perceived to be of critical importance to Africa’s continued growth and development.
The first issue to be addressed was a briefing on the Blair Commission for Africa Report by Commissioner Trevor Manuel who is South Africa’s Minister of Finance. The second discussion was on the perception of Africa in the American media.
The heads of states based their discussions on a 10-year study on how Africa was reported on and perceived in the American media. In the press briefing that followed the discussions, the forum commended Prime Minister Blair for launching the initiative, saying that it’s such concerted efforts that would foster Africa’s growth.
But this growth could be hampered by the image of Africa that is portrayed in western media. “This has profound relevance to everything from the world seeing Africa as a worthy investment venue, to it being a valuable partner,” said Joaquim Chissano, ex-Mozambican president.
After discussing the study, the heads of states came to the conclusion that media coverage of Africa over the past decade by leading American media was anything but fair and balanced. Joaquim Chissano, reading the press statement said: “Coverage of Africa, by the leading forces of American media, is, at best, dismissive of the dismissive of the continent’s progress and potential.”
Chissano said coverage of Africa was overwhelmingly negative, leading to its “exotification” and marginalisation, undermining democratic trends and showing an almost contemptuous lack of interest in the continent. He called on African institutions to develop strategies to counter these trends.
Former Ghanaian president Jerry Rawlings said African journalists should “put integrity above all and put Africa’s interest first,” while recognising that Africa was a global underdog.
The roundtable was organised in association with Dar-es-Salam (Tanzania), Ghana at Logon (Ghana), Morehouse College Atlanta (USA), and Elisabeth City State University North Carolina (USA) universities.
As part of the initiative, APARC has launched a programme which will see some of the former heads of state residing at participating universities. The aim of this “will be to provide the university and broader community with access to these leaders, who by virtue of their positions have a unique perspective on the political and economic dynamics in Africa,” said former US ambassador Charles Stith, director of APARC.
WITS University last week hosted the third African Presidential Roundtable that saw the participation of 11 former African heads of state.
An initiative of Boston University’s African Presidential Archives and Research enter (APARC), the roundtable seeks to give individuals and institutions opportunities that can directly impact development in Africa though various forms of discussions and initiatives with the former heads of states and decision makers.
In the first leg of this year’s roundtable held at the Wits Alumni club on west campus, the former heads of states, students and faculty members, members of government and business leaders focused discussions on issues which are perceived to be of critical importance to Africa’s continued growth and development.
The first issue to be addressed was a briefing on the Blair Commission for Africa Report by Commissioner Trevor Manuel who is South Africa’s Minister of Finance. The second discussion was on the perception of Africa in the American media.
The heads of states based their discussions on a 10-year study on how Africa was reported on and perceived in the American media. In the press briefing that followed the discussions, the forum commended Prime Minister Blair for launching the initiative, saying that it’s such concerted efforts that would foster Africa’s growth.
But this growth could be hampered by the image of Africa that is portrayed in western media. “This has profound relevance to everything from the world seeing Africa as a worthy investment venue, to it being a valuable partner,” said Joaquim Chissano, ex-Mozambican president.
After discussing the study, the heads of states came to the conclusion that media coverage of Africa over the past decade by leading American media was anything but fair and balanced. Joaquim Chissano, reading the press statement said: “Coverage of Africa, by the leading forces of American media, is, at best, dismissive of the dismissive of the continent’s progress and potential.”
Chissano said coverage of Africa was overwhelmingly negative, leading to its “exotification” and marginalisation, undermining democratic trends and showing an almost contemptuous lack of interest in the continent. He called on African institutions to develop strategies to counter these trends.
Former Ghanaian president Jerry Rawlings said African journalists should “put integrity above all and put Africa’s interest first,” while recognising that Africa was a global underdog.
The roundtable was organised in association with Dar-es-Salam (Tanzania), Ghana at Logon (Ghana), Morehouse College Atlanta (USA), and Elisabeth City State University North Carolina (USA) universities.
As part of the initiative, APARC has launched a programme which will see some of the former heads of state residing at participating universities. The aim of this “will be to provide the university and broader community with access to these leaders, who by virtue of their positions have a unique perspective on the political and economic dynamics in Africa,” said former US ambassador Charles Stith, director of APARC.
SRC proposes student parly
Bate Felix
THE SRC is set to ask Council to approve plans for it to become an independent government, complete with an executive cabinet – ministers included – a student legislature and a judiciary body.
If a new proposed constitution is approved by the university council, these reforms will see lesser control by the dean of student affairs over the student governing body.
Floyd Shivambu, SRC president, said these reforms were long overdue. “We intend to restructure the student body in order to make it more accessible and inclusive to all students.” Shivambu said a policy unit had been working since last year, in consultation with other student organisations, to prepare a new constitution.
“The new constitution will give the SRC a complete overhaul in its functioning and structures,” Shivambu said. In the proposed constitution, the new SRC will have three branches; a 15-member executive elected by suffrage, a 50-member parliament elected or delegated by various student clubs, societies, councils and organisations, and a student tribunal.
The executive cabinet will continue its normal day-to-day functions, but will have to report quarterly to the student parliament that will serve as a policy formulation body.
The executive will be answerable to the parliament, said Shivambu. The parliament will formulate policies and propose them to the executive. The student tribunal will serve as a conflict resolution body, resolving disputes between the SRC and other student organisations.
The process, Shivambu said, will “effectively dissolve the SRC being concentrated in the hands of the six or seven people who manage the day-to-day affairs currently”.
The constitution also proposed a complete change in the electoral procedures of the SRC. Shivambu said the SRC was proposing that university oversight be removed from the election process. “We no longer want the dean of student affairs as the chief electoral officer following last year’s dispute,” said Shivambu
The new by-laws propose that only candidates endorsed by organisations or with at least 200 signatories be allowed to stand for elections. “This is because we have noted that most independent candidates are not serious. They just get the 25 signatories from their friends, as required by the current electoral bylaws, and waste election funds.” Shivambu said students had been invited to comment on the new constitution and make suggestions.
Prem Coopoo, dean of student affairs, said the constitutional review was a welcome process which she had started to look at last year. As with every institution, there was a need for constant evaluation and improvements, but this needed to follow a process, said Coopoo. “I welcome the amendments so far as the due process is followed,” she added. The SRC plans to table the proposed constitution in a special session of council next week.
THE SRC is set to ask Council to approve plans for it to become an independent government, complete with an executive cabinet – ministers included – a student legislature and a judiciary body.
If a new proposed constitution is approved by the university council, these reforms will see lesser control by the dean of student affairs over the student governing body.
Floyd Shivambu, SRC president, said these reforms were long overdue. “We intend to restructure the student body in order to make it more accessible and inclusive to all students.” Shivambu said a policy unit had been working since last year, in consultation with other student organisations, to prepare a new constitution.
“The new constitution will give the SRC a complete overhaul in its functioning and structures,” Shivambu said. In the proposed constitution, the new SRC will have three branches; a 15-member executive elected by suffrage, a 50-member parliament elected or delegated by various student clubs, societies, councils and organisations, and a student tribunal.
The executive cabinet will continue its normal day-to-day functions, but will have to report quarterly to the student parliament that will serve as a policy formulation body.
The executive will be answerable to the parliament, said Shivambu. The parliament will formulate policies and propose them to the executive. The student tribunal will serve as a conflict resolution body, resolving disputes between the SRC and other student organisations.
The process, Shivambu said, will “effectively dissolve the SRC being concentrated in the hands of the six or seven people who manage the day-to-day affairs currently”.
The constitution also proposed a complete change in the electoral procedures of the SRC. Shivambu said the SRC was proposing that university oversight be removed from the election process. “We no longer want the dean of student affairs as the chief electoral officer following last year’s dispute,” said Shivambu
The new by-laws propose that only candidates endorsed by organisations or with at least 200 signatories be allowed to stand for elections. “This is because we have noted that most independent candidates are not serious. They just get the 25 signatories from their friends, as required by the current electoral bylaws, and waste election funds.” Shivambu said students had been invited to comment on the new constitution and make suggestions.
Prem Coopoo, dean of student affairs, said the constitutional review was a welcome process which she had started to look at last year. As with every institution, there was a need for constant evaluation and improvements, but this needed to follow a process, said Coopoo. “I welcome the amendments so far as the due process is followed,” she added. The SRC plans to table the proposed constitution in a special session of council next week.
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