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ANU Africa Network
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This website was established in 2013 by David Lucas, and renovated and relaunched in 2020 as part of a project to increase awareness of Africa and African studies in the ANU and the ACT, funded by the Australian Government’s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.
Another outcome of that project was a major research report, published in August 2021, African Studies at the Australian National University and in the Australian Capital Territory, analyzing the past, present and future of the study of Africa at the Australian National University and the wider Australian University sector.
The major innovation on this updated website is the creation of the ACT Africa Expert Directory which lists experts on Africa from institutions around the ACT, primarily the ANU. We will continue to curate this list, offering a key resource for media, government and non-government organizations seeking expert facts and opinions on Africa. Individuals can request to be added to the list by contacting the website managers.
Another notable addition is the expanded directory of PhD theses on Africa produced in the territory’s universities, a solid measure of the vitality of the study of Africa in the city of Canberra.
Reviewing these directories, it is revealing to note that the vast majority of research on Africa is produced by disciplinary experts (environmental scientists, economists, demographers, etc.) rather than area studies experts. This means that the study of Africa is woven into the fabric of the research culture of the ANU and the ACT’s other universities in ways that are not necessarily apparent.
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The Myth + Reality of Nelson Mandela
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Speaker: Prof Kwandiwe Kondlo, Professor, Department of Politics and International Relations, University of Johannesburg.
Venue: Theatrette, Sir Rowland Wilson Building
120 McCoy Circuit, ANUDate and Time; 8 May, 2019, 6-8 pm. The lecture will last about one hour and will be followed by light refreshments.
Registration
https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-myth-reality-of-nelson-mandela-public-lecture-prof-kwandiwe-kondlo-tickets-59933798605
Topic and Abstract The Myth + Reality of Nelson Mandela
The lecture seeks to debate Nelson Mandela’s place in public memory. It will deal with several questions about the myths surrounding Mandela. These include, for instance, was Mandela a towering symbol of hope or was he a sell-out? Mandela, the ‘reluctant’ prince from the Tembu royal family; Mandela, the ‘black pimpernel’ operating from the ANC underground network before he was arrested, Mandela the ‘look alike’ of the ‘real’ Mandela ‘who died in Robben Island long ago’- these are aspects the lecture will cover to debate the mythical aspects of Nelson Mandela. The reality of Mandela as a genuine leader of the struggle for freedom in South Africa; a pioneer of South Africa’s nation building project based on values of non-racialism, non-sexism and inclusivity, will also be explored.
For enquiries please contact:
E rsha.ea.cass@anu.edu.au T 02 6125 2434
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Sisonke Msimang on Winnie Mandela
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In Conversation with Sisonke Msimang
Date and times: Mon 15 Apr 2019, 6–7pm
Venue China in the World Auditorium, Fellows Lane, ANU
Register https://www.eventbrite.com.au/e/in-conversation-with-sisonke-msimang-tickets-58759119107
‘Sisonke Msimang will be in coversation with Chris Wallace, speaking about her powerful and challenging new book, The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela, which charts the rise and fall-and rise, again-of one of South Africa’s most controversial and influential political figures, the wife of one of the most famous activists of all time. Msimang situates “Ma Winnie’s” political career and legacy in the contemporary context, what she means today in social and political terms, by exploring different aspects of her iconic persona.
‘Ma Winnie’ fought apartheid with uncommon ferocity, but her implication in kidnapping, torture and killing would later see her shunned. In analysing Winnie Madikizela- Mandela, Msimang asks what it means to reclaim this powerful woman as an icon while honouring apartheid’s victims-those who were collateral damage and whose stories have yet to be told .Msimang shows us that activism matters, and that the meaning of women’s lives can be reclaimed.
The Resurrection of Winnie Mandela is “a primer for young feminists and those interested in the politics of memory, reconciliation and justice.”Reading List South Africa.
It is rare to hear from such a voice as Sisonke’s-powerful, accomplished, unabashed and brave.’-Alice Pung on Sisonke’s bestselling memoir Always Another Country.
Sisonke Msimang was born and raised in Zambia, Kenya and Canada before studying in the US as an undergraduate. Her family returned to South Africa after apartheid was abolished in the early 1990s. Sisonke has held fellowships at Yale University, the Aspen Institute and the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg and is a regular contributor to the Guardian, Newsweek and the New York Times. Her TED lecture on storytelling has been viewed over 1 million times.
Dr Chris Wallace is an Australian Research Council DECRA Fellow at the National Centre of Biography, School of History, ANU and formerly a longstanding member of the Canberra Press Gallery. She is the author of several books including Germaine Greer, Untamed Shrew.
Pre-event book signings will be available from 5.30pm and again after the event. This event is in association with Harry Hartog Bookshop and books will be available to purchase.’
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Africa in Commonwealth Park, April 6th.
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Venue: Commonwealth Park Canberra Stage 88.
Time: Saturday, April 6th, 2019, 10 am to 8 pm.
Activities include African music, dancing and fashion
More information : see https://africa2australia.com/party-in-the-park/
Canberra Times article: Serena Coady, 2019, ‘Celebrate African culture in the park’,
5 April, page 12.https://www.canberratimes.com.au/national/act/strong-traditions-and-diversity-africa-party-in-the-park-returns-20190402-p519yd.html