UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Earlier this month, Penn State hosted South African politician, anti-apartheid activist, medical doctor and businesswoman Dr. Mamphela Ramphele for a series of events focused on sustainability and global change. Ramphele's visit and the associated events resulted from the collective efforts of Penn State Sustainability, the Africana Research Center, the Center for Global Studies, the Institute of Energy and the Environment, and Penn State Global.
As a co-founder of the Black Consciousness Movement alongside Steve Biko, Ramphele played a pivotal role in challenging and dismantling the oppressive apartheid regime. Her current roles as co-president of the Club of Rome and chair at the Desmond Tutu IP Trust further underscore her relentless pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
"Luminaries such as Dr. Ramphele invite us to contextualize our work in broader discussions about sustainability," said Lara Fowler, director of Penn State Sustainability and chief sustainability officer at Penn State. "Her talks challenged us to think beyond the status quo about how we want to define sustainability going forward."
Ramphele's visit featured a series of events that celebrated significant milestones in South African history. It commenced with "Reclaiming Freedom: 30 years since the first democratic elections in South Africa" on Oct. 10. This event provided an in-depth examination of South Africa's journey to democracy, spotlighting key moments and turning points that have defined the nation's path. On Oct. 11, the focus shifted to environmental concerns with the "Colloquium on the Environment." Capping off the week was the "Nelson Mandela Lecture," which offered profound insights into the life and enduring legacy of Nelson Mandela.
Reclaiming Freedom: South Africa's Democratic Evolution
South Africa's journey to democracy is a tale of courage, determination, sacrifice and continued effort. This event not only celebrated the unyielding spirit of South Africans, but it also facilitated a dialogue about the sociopolitical challenges that the nation continues to grapple with. Attendees were treated to firsthand accounts, historical archives, and panel discussions that painted a vivid picture of South Africa's democratic evolution.
"Thirty years of freedom in South Africa evokes a mix of pride and pain," said Nomsa Khumalo, a community member in attendance. "We've broken the chains of oppression, but the full promise of our democracy remains unfulfilled."
Colloquium on the Environment: Humanity's Call to Ecological Civilization
The keynote address offered insights into the ways in which humanity, both alarmingly and invigoratingly, intersects with the environmental crises.
"The pace and extent of planetary emergencies upon us demand that we raise our levels of ambition to halt the decline into greater catastrophes," Ramphele said.
Expanding on the concept of an ecological civilization, Ramphele explored how societies can transition from extractive economies to regenerative ones. Ramphele's call to action was grounded in a holistic understanding of human existence, urging societies to prioritize well-being, indigenous knowledge, and ecological balance over unchecked materialism.
"Dr. Ramphele’s message of interconnected crises resonates with what our youth are pleading with us about today. We are living in an ‘all hands on deck’ situation, where everyone’s talents, skills and traditions must be focused on ensuring continued life on Earth,” said Peter Buck, associate director of climate and sustainability education.
Nelson Mandela Lecture: Celebrating A Global Icon
On Wednesday, Oct. 11, Ramphele gave a second lecture on Nelson Mandela. The life of Nelson Mandela, marked by resistance, resilience and reconciliation, serves as a beacon for generations. Ramphele's reflections on Mandela's life journey provided a unique perspective, emphasizing the transformative power of introspection and dialogue.
"Mandela's journey from resistance to reconciliation serves as a testament to the boundless spirit of humanity," said Sinfree Makoni, director of African studies and interim director of the Africana Research Center. "Even in the face of overwhelming adversity, he epitomized the essence of leadership, teaching us that true freedom lies not just in breaking chains, but in building bridges."
Ramphele also touched upon the profound influence Mandela had on global politics, championing peace, unity and human rights. Mandela’s commitment to these ideals, even amid tremendous adversity, is a testament to his indomitable spirit, Ramphele said.
For those eager to delve deeper into her thoughts and initiatives, Ramphele's website hosts ample resources for exploration and her Twitter (X) handle @mamphelar provides timely updates on current projects and activities.
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