In a year marking 30 years of democracy, Justice Albie Sachs explored the nation’s progress and whether the sacrifices made by the visionary and intellectual Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje and other freedom fighters have borne the fruit of justice, equality and equity.
Justice Sachs delivered this year’s Sol Plaatje lecture, titled “Is this the country I was fighting for?” as part of the annual Sol Plaatje Memorial Weekend at the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) in Kimberley.
A series of events were hosted on 4 and 5 October at the SPU to commemorate Plaatje, who was born in October, while reflecting on the past, engaging with the present, and looking forward to the future.
His advocacy for intellectual growth and commitment to the upliftment of South Africans through knowledge and justice resonate with the SPU’s mission, stated Kashini Maistry, director of institutional advancement at the university.
Justice Sachs’ contributions in the fight for equality and human rights align with the ideals Plaatje himself championed.
In his lecture on Friday, he reflected on South Africa’s Constitution as a doorway to freedom, drawing on lessons from countries such as America, Germany, Namibia and India on the importance of democracy, processes, and independent electoral commissions. He said building a nation required addressing both past decisions and future challenges, and said human rights work must embrace both seriousness and joy.
The Founder’s Dinner on Friday brought together alumni, key funders and stakeholders whose support has been instrumental in making the university sustainable and ensuring its success.
On Saturday, the annual SPU Chancellor’s Golf Day took place at the Kimberley Golf Club. This is a fundraising initiative to support talented learners in the Northern Cape. A total of R295 750 was raised for the SPU’s Talent Pipeline Programme, empowering Gr. 10 learners and helping them grow academically and socially.
