The recent Sol Plaatje Memorial Weekend at the Sol Plaatje University (SPU) honoured the author, intellectual and activist after whom the university was named – Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje.
Plaatje was known to stand for dignity, justice and understanding.
This year’s memorial weekend, on 10 and 11 October, carried special significance as SPU bid farewell to its inaugural chancellor, Justice Steven Majiedt. Justice Majiedt has served the university with distinction since 2016.
The coming together of these two moments – reflection on Plaatje’s legacy and gratitude for Justice Majiedt’s leadership – created a weekend deeply rooted in the values that define SPU’s identity: service, intellect, humility and transformation.
SPU’s chief operating officer, Dr David Kanguwe, described Plaatje as “a writer, translator, journalist, political activist and believer in education and dialogue.”
He noted that Justice Majiedt embodies those same ideals of justice, equality and intellectual rigour.
Kanguwe said that both men remind us that “the pursuit of justice remains both a personal calling and a collective responsibility.”
‘Pursue education that uplifts and transforms communities’
In his lecture, Justice Majiedt reflected on the transformative power of education and drew profound parallels between his judicial journey and Plaatje’s life of service.
“We as judges must remain humble servants of the people, like Sol Plaatje. We live in a country with serious challenges, and yet I remain optimistic because there are millions with that same selfless spirit. When we dispense justice, we must do so equally, to the rich and the poor, the mighty and the meek, the powerful and the voiceless.”
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Justice Majiedt also urged alumni to “pursue education that uplifts and transforms communities,” mirroring Plaatje’s life of selfless service.
Special guest speaker, Lynn Forbes, mother of the late Hip-Hop artist AKA, shared words of encouragement with personal lessons from her own journey and her family’s long line of educators.
She reminded alumni that teachers wear many hats, mentors, guides and changemakers, and encouraged them to always leave a lasting impact in the classroom.
Through passion, empathy and purpose, she said, educators shape futures and continue the legacy of transformation that Plaatje envisioned. The memorial weekend was a living tribute to a vision that continues to shape SPU’s identity and impact.
Through the lecture, farewell dinner, golf day and alumni homecoming, the university carried forward its commitment to reflection that enlightens, leadership that serves and knowledge that transforms.
In carrying forward the legacy of Sol Plaatje, SPU remains a living light of hope, justice and humanity.
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