Held in the Library Auditorium at Central Campus, the event brought together University leaders, academics, students and guests. It placed reading at the centre of academic success, personal development and leadership, while encouraging students to discover Mhudi, the landmark novel by the University’s namesake, Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje.
The reader behind the leader
Mr Magodongo Mahlangu, Director: Library and Information Services, introduced the programme, which was opened by Professor José Frantz, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Studies.
Professor Debra Meyer, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, outlined the purpose of the initiative. The programme encourages students to read beyond their prescribed texts, engage with Mhudi and use reading to broaden their knowledge throughout life.
Mr Sabata Mokae, Senior Lecturer: Creative Writing, presented Sol Plaatje: The Reader Behind the Leader. He reflected on the role of reading and self-education in Plaatje’s development as a journalist, author, translator, scholar and political leader.
Although Plaatje’s formal schooling ended at Standard III, he continued learning through reading and self-study. He became a leading Setswana scholar, spoke at least eight languages, translated Shakespeare into Setswana, edited newspapers and wrote Native Life in South Africa. He applied what he learnt in service of others.
Reading that changed my life
Ms Sizakhele Mokhele, Lecturer: Creative Writing, shared how books, including The Alchemist and works of poetry, influenced her life and career. Her reflection showed how literature can challenge assumptions, inspire hope and help readers understand themselves and the world around them.
Mr Macduff Mpho Valashiya, Student Reading Club Leader, spoke about the role of reading communities in developing confidence, empathy and leadership. He also shared how the University’s Student Reading Club encourages students to engage with literature, write reflections and participate in discussions beyond the classroom.
Personal reflections on the power of reading
A highlight of the event was the presentation of three video reflections submitted in response to the University’s reading competition. Participants shared personal accounts of how books, including Mhudi by Sol Plaatje and Becoming by Michelle Obama, had influenced their lives, identities and aspirations.
All three participants received book vouchers sponsored by Van Schaik Bookstore to support their continued reading. The entries were adjudicated by Ms Mokhele and Dr Jakobus Bezuidenhout, Lecturer: History.
The campaign also reached beyond the SPU student community. After seeing the invitation on Instagram, Grade 12 learner Gomolemo Plaatje, a great-great-great-grandson of Sol Plaatje, submitted a video reflection on his ancestor’s novel.
His participation connected Plaatje’s written legacy with a new generation reading Mhudi. By encouraging students and the wider public to engage with the novel, the initiative carries Plaatje’s commitment to learning and service forward.
