As part of its Africa Month celebrations, Sol Plaatje University’s Faculty of Humanities launched One Race: The Legacy of Robert Mangaliso Sobukwe authored by Professor Luvuyo Dondolo. The event brought together academics, students, and community members to engage on Sobukwe’s enduring intellectual and political contributions.
Dr Cobus Rademeyer opened the proceedings, welcoming attendees and framing the launch within the faculty’s broader mission to advance African-centred scholarship during Africa Month. Dr Karthi Gopalan then introduced keynote speaker Prof Dondolo, whose work re-examines Sobukwe’s vision for African liberation, nonracialism, and decolonisation.
A foundational figure in South Africa’s liberation struggle and founder of the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), Sobukwe’s legacy was critically revisited through Prof Dondolo’s address. The book positions Sobukwe’s ideas within contemporary debates on Pan-Africanism, emphasising his advocacy for African unity and decolonial thought.
“Some [Africanists] believed that before [you] can have a physical emancipation, to be free, you need to be mentally liberated. Sobukwe believed that Africans should be their own liberator. to define their own destination,” said Prof Dondolo
The book also amplifies overlooked narratives, such as the role of Nomvo Poqokazi Booi, the first woman incarcerated for her activism in the PAC’s armed wing, Poqo, thereby positioning women’s contributions to anti-colonial resistance.
The event featured reflections by discussant Mr Sephai Mngqolo and an interactive dialogue with attendees, underscoring Sobukwe’s relevance to current socio-political discourse. Participants explored how his ideals intersect with the modern struggles for equity and decolonisation in education, governance, and cultural identity.
The event highlighted the University’s commitment to fostering critical engagement with Africa’s liberation histories and amplifying marginalised voices within academic and public spheres.
