North-West University: Honouring legacies and building an inclusive future
When a person dies, the mark the individual leaves on the world represents that individual’s legacy. These are the words of Nobel Prize laureate and much celebrated poet Dr Maya Angelou.
History is replete with examples of men and women of stature that not only led a life of service, but who also altered history for generations to come.
At the centre of the conversation about building lasting and enduring legacies is the North-West University’s (NWU’s) Mahikeng Campus’ homage to some of history’s titans in the greater Mahikeng community and the country.
Acknowledging the community it serves and demonstrating its commitment to honouring legacies, the campus has since acknowledged the contributions of historical leaders by naming some of its residences after them.
Some of the figures that played a pivotal role in this country’s history, and whom the NWU are paying homage to are Kgosi Dick Montshioa, Dr James Moroka, Sol Plaatje, Dr Nelson Mandela, Ngaka Modiri Molema and Bantu Stephen Biko.
At the heart of each of the residences and entrusted with the teaching and inculcating the traditions of their respective residences are the residence officers. They are Johannes Seleka responsible for Dr James Moroka residence, Lungile Mthiya at Biko House, Thandiswa Maine at Sol Plaatje, Sonja Tesnear at Ngaka Modiri Molema, Thapelo Motaboge at Kgosi Dick Montshioa, and the duo Lyle Mather and Catarina Magqoki who are responsible for the Dr Nelson Mandela residences.
These residence officers collectively recognise this responsibility as an honour to archive, teach and safeguard the legacies of some of history’s titans for future generations.
“While a person’s legacy can involve money, the concept of legacy is much larger than the value of an individual’s estate. It is about the richness of the individual’s life, including what that person accomplished and the impact he or she had on people and places. Ultimately, the story of a person’s life reflects the individual’s legacy,” says senior residence officer, Mr Tumi Mambo.
More about history’s titans
Nelson Mandela was a South African anti-apartheid activist who served as the first president of a democratic South Africa.
Dr James Moroka was a medical doctor and politician, and a president of the African National Congress.
Bantu Stephen Biko was a South African anti-apartheid activist and leader of the black consciousness movement.
Born in 1891 in Mafikeng, Ngaka Modiri Molema was a teacher, medical doctor, and a member of the royal family of the Barolong chieftaincy. He was secretary and chief advisor to Chief Montshioa of the Barolong boo Ratshidi in Mafikeng before his involvement in politics and serving as the national secretary of the African National Congress.
Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje was a South African journalist, linguist, politician, translator and writer. He was also a founding member and first general secretary of the South African Native National Congress, which became the African National Congress.
Kgosi Montshioa I, also known as Seja-Nkabo, was the ruler of the Barolong boo Ratshidi from 1849 until his death in 1896. Even before assuming bogosi (chieftaincy), he set himself apart as a militant champion of his morafe’s (people’s) survival and independence.