At Sol Plaatje University, the month of October is a moment of deep reflection and celebration when we honour our commitment to the legacy of our namesake, Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje. His life reminds us that education, language, justice and courage remain central to transforming society.
The 2025 Sol Plaatje Memorial Weekend brings together four prestigious events that honour his memory and reflect the growth and impact of our institution.
- The Annual Sol Plaatje Public Lecture
Friday, 10 October | SPU Library Auditorium
The weekend opens with the Annual Sol Plaatje Public Lecture, delivered by our Chancellor, Justice Steven Majiedt. As his tenure comes to an end, Justice Majiedt will share reflections on his judicial journey, drawing inspiration from Plaatje’s values and vision. This lecture is open to the public and we invite our community to engage with the legacy of one of South Africa’s greatest intellectuals.
- The Chancellor’s Farewell Dinner
Friday, 10 October | SPU Great Hall
Later that evening, the University will host a Farewell Dinner to honour Justice Majiedt. This is a closed event for invited stakeholders, senior leaders, and partners who have walked closely with Justice Steven Majiedt during his two terms as Chancellor. The dinner will celebrate his contribution to SPU’s development and his role as custodian of our heritage and champion of our social justice initiatives.
- The Chancellor’s Fundraising Golf Day
Saturday, 11 October | Kimberley Golf Club
In partnership with Standard Bank, the Chancellor’s Golf Day raises funds for the Chancellor’s Bursary Fund, which supports the Talent Pipeline Programme (TPP). The TPP provides academic and psychosocial support to high-achieving learners from the Northern Cape, preparing them to succeed in higher education.
Since 2021, the programme has graduated 142 learners, with 37 currently enrolled at SPU. The impact is clear: each learner represents Plaatje’s belief in education as a pathway to empowerment.
We invite organisations and individuals to sponsor a hole for R17,500 which includes a complimentary four-ball, or you can contribute prizes. The day will conclude with a prize-giving ceremony to honour the winners. Contact Ms Dinette van der Spuy (dinette.vanderspuy@spu.ac.za or call 053 491 0117) to pledge your support.
- Faculty of Education Alumni Homecoming
Saturday, 11 October | SPU Great Hall
The 2nd Annual Alumni Homecoming will reunite graduates from the Faculty of Education who are now shaping classrooms and communities across the country. This gathering is a chance to reflect, reconnect and recognise alumni as vital ambassadors of SPU. Through panel discussions, a campus tour, indigenous games, and a celebratory braai, alumni will reaffirm their role in carrying forward the vision of our namesake and strengthening ties with their alma mater.
Why This Weekend Matters
The Memorial Weekend is a time to reflect on why we exist and how to carry forward the vision of Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje.
As an ambitious institution, we walk in the light of his courage, intellect, and leadership. In celebrating milestones, we also advance our mandate of changing lives and enabling brighter futures through transformative education, quality research, impactful community engagement and collective purpose.
Sol Plaatje University invites staff, students, alumni, the broader community and members of the media to join us for this special weekend of reflection and celebration.
