The Unitarian Fellowship will be meeting on Sunday October 6, at the Chapel Room, Vonke House, Somerset West, where Professor Jonathan Jansen will be the guest speaker, at 10.30am for 10.45am. The title of Professor Jansen’s talk is: “Is social cohesion still on the national agenda?” South Africa is at a critical moment in its post-apartheid history. Things seem to be falling apart from the unrelenting violence against women to the xenophobic uprisings around the country. Student protests for justice also seem more and more intolerant of conciliatory endeavours; in fact, Mandela is regarded among some youth as a sell-out and Mugabe as a hero. What does all of this mean? Is there still hope for both ambitions – social justice and racial reconciliation? The talk will address these challenging questions through real-life examples of these dilemmas in South Africa.
Professor Jansen is currently distinguished professor of education at the University of Stellenbosch, president of the Academy of Science of South Africa, and president of the South African Institute of Race Relations. He has earned degrees from UWC, Cornell University and a PhD from Stanford University. Entry is free, and refreshments will be served. Since the Chapel Room at Vonke only accommodates about 50 people, guests need to sign up for the presentation by emailing Dave Mayes at davidjeanmayes@gmail.com
