Kagiso Trust InBrief Issue#17 August 2015 Aug 2015 | Page 24

www.kagiso.co.za

“Speaking to the spirit of Oom Bey” -

NMMU distinguished lecture explores perspectives on transformation in SA

O

n Friday, 22 May 2015, the majestic
Anglican Cathedral in York Street,
George was abuzz with excitement
as more than 150 guests, including
learners, teachers, students, the church
fraternity, parishioners, members of the public
and representatives of NMMU and the Kagiso
Trust, gathered there for the much anticipated
NMMU Distinguished Dr Beyers Naudé
Memorial lecture.
The NMMU George Campus Principal, Prof.
Quinton Johnson, warmly welcomed all guests
and set the tone for the evening by calling on
all to strengthen our noble quest to transform
ourselves for the better from Africa, as the
cradle of humanity. Furthermore, the NMMU
George Campus Choir was also in attendance
and enthralled guests with their beautiful
voices and diverse repertoire.
With his awe-inspiring keynote address as
context, Bishop Brian Marajh, together with
four youth panellists who briefly articulated
their perspectives on the “dreams and the
dilemmas facing young people in the presentday democratic South Africa”, set the scene
for a lively debate. The Bishop indicated that it
was critical to protect human dignity, advance
courage and truthfulness.
He posed some piercing questions to the
audience about the individual and society’s
acceptance of diversity and taking of
responsibility in this context. “It is vital to be
able to work constructively… transformation
should lead to a greater good” he said. He also
indicated that an evolution needs to take place
in one’s life. “Not to care about your neighbour
is not to care about South Africa”, he said.
This is the third year that NMMU, through its
Centre for the Advancement of Non Racialism
and Democracy (CANRAD) is hosting this
prestigious lecture series, an innovative project
of the Kagiso Trust aimed at keeping alive
Dr Beyers Naudé’s powerful legacy and the
associated uplifting values. The event hosted
by NMMU in George included an exhibition

focused on the life and legacy of Dr Beyers
Naudé, which was attended by guests in the
church hall, followed by the formal proceeding
in the historic cathedral.
The event also enjoyed the blessing of
Archbishop Desmond Tutu who, in a letter
to the audience, read by the NMMU George
Campus Principal, Prof Quinton Johnson,
reflected on Dr Beyers Naudé as a remarkable
human being and expressed his delight in the
Lecture Series, which aims to promote the
cause of a more just and democratic society.
Dr Beyers Naudé is Kagiso Trust’s founding
trustee, alongside persons of the stature of
Archbishop Desmond Tutu, Dr Max Coleman,
Reverend Frank Chikane, Prof Jakes Gerwel
and others.
More about Dr Beyers Naudé
Dr Beyers Naudé, was born in Roodepoort,
the son of a founding member of the Afrikaner
Broederbond. He studied theology at the
University of Stellenbosch and completed a
Master’s degree in languages. As a minister in
the Nederduitse Gereformeerde Kerk (NGK),
he began to doubt the religious