2024 John Langalibalele Dube Memorial Lecture

2024 John Langalibalele Dube Memorial Lecture

This year’s annual John Langalibalele Dube Memorial Lecture sought to present an academic dialogue between Dube’s inclusive Pan-Africanism and Prophet Isaiah Shembe’s philosophy (Shembeism) exploring their intersecting legacies, examining their views on freedom, development, and the persistent challenges of tribalism and division among Africans.

Dube (1871-1946), the founding President of the African National Congress, advocated for the holistic liberation for all Black people, emphasising education and self-reliance. Shembe (1865-1935), founder of the Nazareth Baptist Church, focused on the spiritual and cultural well-being of the Nguni people, later expanding his teachings to address political, economic, and educational concerns.

Welcoming guests and both the Dube and Shembe families, Professor Nhlanhla Mkhize, Deputy Vice-Chancellor and Head of the College of Humanities, said: ‘Today we reflect on how these two leaders might engage in a dialogue about the present state of Africa. What would Dube say about Shembe’s growing influence across the continent? How would Shembe respond to the enduring divisions caused by tribalism and economic exclusion?

‘We explore these questions and imagine a path forward and remain guided by their shared commitment to African unity, self-determination, and cultural resilience,’ said Mkhize.

Guest-speakers Senior Research Associate at MANCOSA Professor Blessing Karumbidza; and Dean and Head of UKZN’s School of Religion, Philosophy and Classics Professor R Simangaliso Kumalo, responded to the questions.

Karumbidza spoke passionately about both icons detailing their histories and how they came to represent powerful ideas. ‘Both Dube and Shembe were men who clearly understood who they were and understood the needs of their people. This sense of identity enabled them to unite their people,’ he said.

Using a theological approach, Kumalo said: ‘Dube and Shembe were two African men, trying their best to deal with Christianity in the context of being hungry for freedom. They both sought solutions for the development of the African person using religion to empower rather than oppress.’

Kumalo described both men as gifts to the African people as their ultimate goal was the development of the African person.

Actress and entertainer Ms Dawn Thandeka King; actor and presenter Mr Zweli Dube, and Director: Communications, Advocacy and Publications, Isiqabetho Senhlalamafini Critical Thinkers Mr Sizwe Zwane, responded to the keynote addresses. They focussed on issues of identity, the role of youth and the Church in strengthening South Africa’s democracy as well as issues of curriculum transformation and development.

Zwane said: ‘Dube and Shembe sought to unite African people and advocated for the preservation of African diversity and identity. I believe education is the solution to uniting people.’

Speakers and contributors encouraged the audience to reflect on the lessons of the past and contribute to shaping the future by using the lessons learned from both Dube and Shembe which ‘reminds us that African unity, progress, and prosperity depend on our ability to engage in open dialogue and foster inclusivity.’

A vibrant and interactive question and answer session concluded proceedings.

The audience was entertained by emotive performances by the Ohlange High School Choir and the Shembe Cultural Group.

Words: Jennene Naidu

Photograph: Andile Ndlovu