?The recent 12th annual Frederik Van Zyl-Slabbert Honorary Lecture was an emotional rollercoaster for the audience in the packed Endler Hall on the main campus of Stellenbosch 中国体育彩票 (SU).
The keynote speaker for this year's lecture was Yemeni journalist, human rights activist and 2011 Nobel Peace Prize laureate Tawakkol Karman, who delivered an impassioned call to African youth to protect democracy by upholding their constitutions. The second part of the programme included a stunning performance by SU's world-renowned choir that swept the cosmopolitan attendees off their feet.
This year's lecture was themed Reflecting on 30 years of democracy in South Africa: how can African youth demonstrate citizen leadership through constitutionalism and hosted by SU's Frederik Van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership. The event was presented in partnership with the SU's Japan Centre and the 6th South Africa-Japan 中国体育彩票 (SAJU) Forum.
Special guests included many international academics who attended the SAJU Forum, as well as members of SU's senior management, including Rector and Vice-Chancellor Prof Wim de Villiers and Prof Deresh Ramjugernath (Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Learning and Teaching).
Karman, the first Arab woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize, shared her personal journey as a human rights activist and journalist in Yemen.
The absence of the second keynote speaker Namati Kwekweza, a Zimbabwean democracy activist and winner of the 2023 Kofi Annan NextGen Democracy Prize, was acknowledged with a poignant gesture – an empty seat on stage – as Dr Heidi October, head of the Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Institute for Student Leadership Development and Deputy Director of the Centre for Student Life and Learning) explained she is being detained in Zimbabwe.
Kwekeza's arrest is a reminder to especially young people that democracy sometimes comes at a price, October remarked. “Our thoughts are with her, and we'll remain in contact with her organisation WELEAD Trust to offer our support," she said.
Constitutionalism as a tool for change
At the beginning of her address, Karman expressed a deep connection to South Africa, a country she regards as her own due to its historical struggles for justice and equality.
“Nelson Mandela has always been, and still is, my hero. I remember when I started my journey in peaceful struggle, I placed his picture in my room, in my office, alongside Mahatma Gandhi and Martin Luther King," Karman said.
“I am also proud that this country is the homeland of Desmond Tutu, who is one of the most important people who inspired me to speak out and fight for freedom, and showed me how to engage in peaceful action. So, thank you South Africa for giving humanity this great gift."
Karman recounted how, despite facing persecution, she used the Yemeni Constitution to justify her activism, demonstrating how even in oppressive environments, citizens can leverage constitutional rights to challenge authoritarianism.
“Regardless of its shortcomings, the Yemeni Constitution emerged from the historic unification of North and South Yemen, and guaranteed some important rights, though limited, including the right to freedom of expression and the right to assembly.
“We didn't have other rights in my country, but with those two important rights, I said to myself, 'Okay, I have these important rights in the Constitution, so I can practice them regardless of whether the government accepts them or not. I am exercising my constitutional rights'.
“So, because of that, I started my journey as a journalist, writing very strong articles against the dictator. When anyone tried to blame me, I would respond, 'I am exercising my constitutional rights.' Because of this, I established my organisation called Women Journalists Without Borders at that time," Karman explained.
Faced with government opposition and pressure from the security apparatus to change the organisation's name and focus, Karman defiantly refused to comply with restrictions, even after being arrested and jailed.
“In the beginning, it was very hard. I was literally the only one – often considered the 'crazy woman' by the dictator, who would say, 'Don't listen to her; she's just a woman. Society won't follow her.' They didn't accept the role of women in general, let alone a 'crazy woman' calling for people to rise against him. But that's exactly what I did. I went to the streets, urging many people to join me in raising their voices to save Yemen."
She encouraged the South African audience to do the same: “When you practice your citizen leadership through the Constitution, you show the power of democracy."
Karman's message was clear: real change comes not through violence but through the steadfast and peaceful actions of citizens exercising their rights. She movingly shared her experience of leading millions of Yemeni men and women in nonviolent demonstrations, which ultimately forced the resignation of Yemen's dictator in 2011.
'Best constitution in the world'
Reflecting on South Africa's 30 years of democracy, she encouraged African youth to take ownership of their roles as protectors and champions of democratic principles.
Holding up a copy of South Africa's Constitution, Karman passionately appealed to the audience. “This is the best constitution in the world. You have a remarkable constitution, forged by the sacrifices of your fathers, mothers, grandfathers and grandmothers. This Constitution is something you should protect and defend. You must care for the hope that it represents, ensuring it is implemented every day, every minute, every second. This is your fight.
“Do not say, 'What has this Constitution given us?' or 'What has democracy given us?' No, it is not the fault of democracy or the Constitution; the fault lies in how democracy is practiced and how your great Constitution is implemented.
“When I hear some youth express hopelessness, I feel a deep concern. You betray the blood of your ancestors and your own future when you doubt your democracy or your Constitution. Your mission is clear: P rotect South Africa's democracy, defend your Constitution, and inspire others around the world with your nonviolent movement."
She reminded the audience that the challenges facing South Africa – including corruption and inequality – could be addressed through active citizenship and holding leaders accountable. “Your Constitution gives you the tools. Use them to fight corruption, to close the gap between rich and poor, and to demand social justice," Karman urged.
She also spoke of the threats to democracy in Africa and the Middle East, noting how authoritarian regimes and external forces, including Western countries, often undermine democratic movements. She urged the youth to be vigilant against such threats, emphasising that democracy cannot coexist with military rule. In the context of current global power struggles, Karman encouraged African nations to form strong partnerships that genuinely benefit their people, warning against new forms of colonial exploitation disguised as aid or development.
Global justice and freedom
In a broader critique of global inequality, Karman pointed to the widening gap between rich and poor countries, a divide exacerbated by globalisation. She called for binding international mechanisms that would require wealthy nations to contribute a portion of their income to support the development of poorer countries, particularly in Africa. Without such mechanisms, she argued, poverty and instability would continue to plague the continent.
Karman commended South Africa for its bold stance on the Palestinian issue, highlighting the country's leadership in holding Israel accountable for human rights abuses. In conclusion, she called on the current generation of South Africans to take pride in this stance and continue to push for global justice and freedom.
Prof Cheryl Hendricks, Executive Director of the Institute for Justice and Reconciliation, responded to Karman's lecture by engaging in a thought-provoking conversation about the current state of democracy in South Africa and how the youth can be inspired to take up the mantle of leadership. Hendricks echoed Karman's call for young Africans to embrace their roles as the defenders of constitutionalism and to hold their leaders accountable.
In her closing remarks, Prof Scarlett Cornelissen, Political Science lecturer and Director of the SU Japan Centre, thanked Karman for her inspirational message of hope and aspiration for a better world. Cornelissen concurred that democracy is not automatic; it requires continuous effort across generations.
- The annual Frederik van Zyl Slabbert Honorary Lecture aims to create a platform for student leaders, academics, alumni and the broader international community to engage critically with current democracy and governance issues.
PHOTO: Stefan Els
