October marks the birth month of the visionary and intellectual, Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, whose legacy continues to inspire and guide us. As a pioneering journalist, writer, linguist, and politician, Plaatje’s dedication to education, justice, and equality forms the foundation upon which Sol Plaatje University (SPU) stands today. His advocacy for intellectual growth and his commitment to the upliftment of South Africans through knowledge and justice resonate deeply with our institution’s mission.
Sol Plaatje University is honoured to host a series of special events for the Annual Sol Plaatje Memorial Weekend on 4 & 5 October 2024 to commemorate this remarkable figure. We invite our community, alumni, and esteemed guests to join us in celebrating Plaatje’s legacy, as we reflect on the past, engage critically with the present, and look forward to the future.
On 4 October, esteemed Justice Albie Sachs will deliver this year’s Sol Plaatje Lecture, titled “Is this the country I was fighting for?” As a former Constitutional Court judge and a pivotal figure in the creation of South Africa’s post-apartheid Constitution, Justice Sachs brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the discussion. His contributions in the fight for equality and human rights align with the ideals Plaatje himself championed. In a year marking 30 years of democracy, Sachs will explore the nation’s progress and whether the sacrifices made by Plaatje and other freedom fighters have borne the fruit of justice, equality, and equity.
This thought-provoking topic prompts reflection on our nation’s current state and the crucial questions about our future. It aligns with the themes of the lecture, such as law, liberation, and human rights – areas where Plaatje left his mark – while offering an opportunity to assess South Africa’s political, economic, and social landscape.
The Memorial Weekend will also feature a Founder’s Dinner later in the evening, a formal event celebrating the visionaries and stakeholders who played a crucial role in the establishment of SPU. This dinner will bring together alumni, key funders, and stakeholders whose support has been instrumental in making the University sustainable and ensuring the success of the SPU project. It will also provide an opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Sol Plaatje and the University’s commitment to advancing education and innovation in his honour.
Our annual Standard Bank SPU Chancellor’s Golf Day, on Saturday, 5 October, is a vital fundraising initiative aimed at supporting talented learners in the Northern Cape. Hosted at the Kimberley Golf Club, the event focuses on creating educational opportunities for deserving students. The day will culminate in a prize-giving ceremony, recognising participants and reinforcing our commitment to advancing education and empowering future leaders.
We will also welcome our alumni back on campus for the inaugural Alumni Homecoming on Saturday, 5 October. This marks a significant milestone for the University as we seek to strengthen the bonds between our alumni and their alma mater. The Homecoming will include a campus tour, allowing alumni to view the expanding infrastructure at their university and reinforcing the vital connection between the University and its graduates. Our alumni are instrumental in advancing our mission and enhancing the University’s reputation. The Homecoming offers a unique platform for alumni to reconnect, share their experiences, and contribute to the future success of the University by supporting key initiatives such as fundraising for scholarships, research, and campus development.
As we gather to honour Sol Plaatje, we are reminded that his vision for education and social justice lives on through the continued growth and success of Sol Plaatje University. Together, we continue to build upon his legacy by transforming lives and creating brighter futures.
