Thabo Mbeki, former President of South Africa made history at Rhodes University on Africa Day. Invited to speak to the Rhodes students at the start of a week long celebration of Africa, Mbeki was exuberantly welcomed to Rhodes University.

Xolani Nyali, one of the student organisers explained why they chose Thabo Mbeki for the Africa Day address, “He has been the foremost proponent of Africa's renewal both within the African Continent and the rest of the World. He lives his convictions and this is evident in that even after stepping down from office, he is still involved in the peace process in Sudan.”

Nyali talking of the role Rhodes students could play in Africa said, “Rhodes University students are well placed to advance the African agenda. They attend one of the country's premier institutions and have vast resources at their disposal. They can link up with other African universities, create platforms for dialogue, collaborate in research and really try to get out of their cocoon.”

In Thabo Mbeki’s address, he encouraged the Rhodes students to renew Africa through implementing the policies that have been put in place by the African Union and inspiring others to understand the process required to bring these to fruition.

Mbeki also spoke of the importance of bringing about peace and stability in Africa before the continent can take its place in the world. In reference to this he encouraged people to delve deeper in determining the root of the conflicts in Africa.

He asserted that the 21st century must become an African Century. Achieving this goal would be through educating the youth of South Africa about the African Continent in terms of its history and what it truly stands for.

The former President further stated that the students and youth should be the drivers of the renewal of Africa. He stressed the importance of building relations with students on the continent.

In a final comment, Nyali said, “It is thus students who need to keep the flames burning and take Africa into the next century in all measures of human development."

Picture Credit: Kodak Express Grahamstown

Story by Rhodes Commmunications