Nozipho MJwara
Professor Reuel Khoza, editor of The South African Handbook of Agency Freedom and Justice signs a copy for a reader during the the book launch event.
Picture inside: Nozipho Mjwara
The University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) hosted the launch of The South African Handbook of Agency, Freedom, and Justice at its Howard College Theatre last week, where academics, and leaders, gathered to address South Africa's pressing socio-economic challenges.
The book, co-edited by the President of the Institute of Directors and Chancellor of the University of KwaZulu-Natal, Professor Reuel Khoza and the late Professor Muxe Nkondo, brings together a diverse range of essays tackling issues such as poverty, inequality, unemployment, and gender-based violence. The three-volume collection, published by UKZN Press in collaboration with Sapience Strategy Foundation NPC, aimed to spark a national conversation about these critical issues while offering practical solutions.
In his remarks at the event, Professor Khoza emphasised the handbook's transformative potential, positioning it as a vital resource for those working towards a more equitable and just South African society. “I want to reiterate that this is not just an academic text, it is a tool for transformation, a guide for those committed to building a better South Africa,” Professor Khoza said.
According to Prof Khoza, the inspiration for The South African Handbook of Agency, Freedom, and Justice came from observing that democratic progress in South Africa has not unfolded as many had hoped. The goal was to emphasise the role of citizens as active participants in democracy, rather than leaving all responsibilities to political leaders. Khoza noted that political leaders, while important, cannot solve every problem on their own, and meaningful change requires the active engagement and participation of the people.
An award-winning author and one of the book’s contributors, Musa E. Zulu, offered a unique perspective in his essay, focusing on disability, arts, and literature within the 30 years of South Africa’s democracy. Zulu's contribution does not only address the challenges faced by people with disabilities over the years, but also highlights their significant contributions to social development, particularly in arts, literature, and sport. “People with disabilities have not only been receiving but also giving," Zulu stated.
Former Campus Vice-Principal of the University of Free State, Prof Pearl Sithole who also contributed to the book highlighted that some discussions, such as the relationship between agency and justice, are not fully spelled out and may feel incomplete. She suggested that more cross-disciplinary conversations are needed to create comprehensive solutions that address the real-world challenges facing South Africa.
This Durban launch was the first in a series, with upcoming events scheduled in Johannesburg and Cape Town later this month, continuing the critical conversation on building a just and equitable society.
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