A crisis of values
South Africa’s transition to democracy requires that all existing practices, institutions and values are drastically rethought in terms of their fitness for this new era.
South Africa is currently gripped by a leadership and moral crisis. Hardly a day goes by without reports of unethical and corrupt conduct in the public and private sector alike. Issues such as Nkandla, the SABC once more becoming a government propaganda machine, the Panama Papers exposé and concern about the rampant, unsustainable extraction of minerals, indicate that the country faces huge moral and ethical challenges.
Higher education plays a pivotal role in the cultural, social and economic development of modern societies. South Africa needs to transform its higher education system to meet pressing national needs and respond to new realities and opportunities.
There must be the development of a learning society, which can stimulate, direct and mobilise the creative and intellectual energies of people towards meeting the challenge of reconstruction and development. “Our aim is not only to engage in constructive thinking and debate — it is also to harness our creativity, innovation and ingenuity by tapping into and sharing new and alternative perspectives on our current context.
“To do this we have crafted a programme of premium discussion forums comprising commemorative lectures and high-profile institutional events, such as the Africa Day lecture and Africa Speaks conversations, and the round-table discussions and special events hosted by the office of the principal and vice-chancellor, as well as those hosted by institutes such as the Institute of African Renaissance Studies, the Thabo Mbeki African Leadership Institute, the Institute for Global Dialogue and the Institute for Social and Health Studies.
“This programme, we believe, will harness through thoughtful engagement, our collective critical thinking abilities and responsibilities, in service of the best interest of our society and our country.”
In line with the call to establish a culture of public debate and tolerance, Makhanya said that the Mail & Guardian was chosen as co-host due to its focus on investigative and credible journalism, citing it as the ideal media partner to facilitate Unisa’s position as an institution renowned for academic and thought leadership.
“These forums are tested platforms, which constitute a perfect arena for convergence,” he concluded.