The annual Dr Chota Motala memorial lecture which was delivered by Former President Kgalema Motlantle took place at the Mancosa [GSB] campus in Durban, on Friday 18th November 2016. As a flagship event of the institution, the lecture highlights the life and the struggles of the late Dr Chota Motala in the apartheid era, as well as raises topical issues affecting South Africa.
Former President, Kgalema Motlantle’s address was titled; ‘Leaving Lasting Legacies: Renewing our vision for a non-racial, non-sexist and just democracy’ – which speaks to the contemporary climate of our democracy and urges citizens to move beyond this moment.’
His address included the following key points:
- Emphasising the importance of the constitution and the founding texts of our democracy;
- Considering the significance of education in the post-colonial context, and contextualising student struggles within Chota Motala’s life and legacy;
- Making sense of South Africa’s contemporary democratic challenges; and
- Thinking about the type of leadership required to take South Africa forward.
“Chota Motala stands as one such life – emblematic of the kind of humanity that we should all seek to express and live out. His example stands to remind us of the vision that we had, and that we still journey towards. Many South Africans are asking legitimate questions about the state of our nation today, and are beginning to wonder whether the direction we are taking is not the antithesis of what Motala and his generation and those before had envisioned for post-Apartheid society,”
echoed Mr Motlanthe.
Mr Irshaad Motala, the son of the late Dr Chota Motala, addressed the audience on behalf of the Motala family and shared fond memories of his father and resonated Dr Motala’s commitment to serving communities through his profession as a medical doctor and fought fearlessly for what was right. He thanked MANCOSA for the continued support in hosting the annual lecture in honour of his late father.
The programme was concluded by Professor Yusuf Karodia, who presented a small token of appreciation to each speaker and thereafter proceeded to deliver a vote of thanks to all stakeholders.