Dressed for success
Xenophobic attacks against African migrants will not solve South Africa’s socio-economic challenges such as unemployment and poverty.
These were the words of former president Thabo Mbeki during his speech after he was inaugurated as the new chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa) in Pretoria yesterday.
Mbeki was elected by the university’s council as a suitable candidate due to his leadership skills and credentials, replacing Judge Bernard Ngoepe, who served as chancellor of the biggest higher education institute on the continent for 15 years.
Mbeki expressed concern over the recent xenophobic attacks that gripped parts of Gauteng, reminding South Africans of the sacrifices made by African countries in the fight for liberation.
“Our country faces socio-economic challenges, but not even one of these problems can and will be solved by attacking fellow Africans. Those who organised and participated in the attacks, which must stop, should know there is absolutely nothing revolutionary or progressive or patriotic or acceptable or of service to the people in what is, in fact, criminal activity,” said Mbeki.
He said Africans have a shared responsibility to strive and achieve the renaissance and rebirth of the continent, meaning eradicating the “demeaning European perception of Africans”.
“Eradication of that legacy means the responsibility to construct something new so we can define ourselves to the image of ourselves,” he said.
The former president voiced appreciation to student movements fighting for free higher education, but urged them to “draw back on the forms of protests rooted by the logic of cutting off one’s nose to spite one’s face”.
“We must express our appreciation … without approving the completely unnecessary and counterproductive violence and destruction of university property, which occurred during these campaigns … as illustrated by incidents in which we burn clinics in demand of better healthcare, or destroy lecture rooms because we want free education.”
Higher Education Minister Blade Nzimande congratulated Mbeki, adding that South Africa was ranked among the top 10 countries in terms of proportion of foreign students.
Nearly 26 000 Zimbabwean students were catered for at Unisa, Nzimande said.
“Despite our many differences, you are one of the greatest intellectuals produced in this country and on this continent,” Nzimande said.
“On behalf of government and the higher education department, we are proud of your election as chancellor of Unisa.”
Our country faces socio-economic challenges, but not even one of these problems can and will be solved by attacking fellow Africans.
Thabo Mbeki Chancellor of the University of South Africa (Unisa)