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Unisan pens a personal and moving reflection on Luthuli's legacy

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Rivonia Naidu, an emerging voice in academic writing, recently made her first contribution to scholarly work through a chapter she authored in The Faces and Phases of Inkosi Albert Luthuli.

Launched by Unisa Press on 19 July and edited by Prof Puleng Segalo and Dr Tinyiko Chauke, the book seeks to illuminate the multifaceted legacy of Chief Albert Luthuli, a towering figure in South Africa’s liberation struggle. For Naidu, this project was more than just an academic endeavour – it was a personal journey, filled with reflections on history, family and community solidarity.

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Rivonia Naidu

Naidu, a staff member at Unisa’s Western Cape Region, who is currently seconded to the Office of the Deputy Registrar for Governance, wrote a chapter entitled "Building Solidarities: A Tale of Two Fathers". The chapter offers a profound and deeply reflective account that is both academic and creative.

Drawing on a reflexive methodology, Naidu explores the shared experiences of two pivotal figures in South Africa's struggle for justice: Chief Luthuli, and her own late father, Ramsamy Dorasamy Naidu, who was often referred to as RD. Through this intimate narrative, Naidu highlights the important roles both men played in fostering unity and solidarity between African and Indian communities during the apartheid era.

The chapter's significance is rooted in its ability to draw parallels between these two leaders’ activism and the broader societal need to rebuild and strengthen solidarities in contemporary South Africa. Naidu’s reflections speak directly to the pressing issues of race relations, especially in the aftermath of the 2021 riots and looting that shook the country. In revisiting the activism of Chief Luthuli and RD, Naidu offers a poignant reminder of the historical ties between African and Indian communities and the ongoing relevance of these solidarities in addressing modern-day challenges.

Naidu’s work not only honours the memory of her father but also contributes to a growing discourse on the importance of cross-racial alliances in South Africa. Her writing, underpinned by a creative and reflexive approach, emphasises how historical narratives can be harnessed to address contemporary social issues. The essay offers valuable lessons on how South Africans, particularly African and Indian communities, can learn from the past to navigate present-day struggles for social justice and equality.

In broader terms, Naidu’s chapter is situated within a collection of twelve essays that delve into various aspects of Chief Luthuli’s life, leadership and legacy. Luthuli, widely regarded as a champion of Christian liberation theology and an advocate for moral and ethical leadership, continues to serve as a lens through which scholars and citizens alike can reflect on South Africa’s complex sociopolitical landscape. Naidu’s contribution, in particular, demonstrates how Luthuli’s philosophy of Ubuntu and Batho Pele can be applied to discussions on race, solidarity, and leadership in post-apartheid South Africa.

The Faces and Phases of Inkosi Albert Luthuli is not just a celebration of Luthuli’s contributions but a call to reconsider how his values can inform contemporary movements for justice. Naidu’s chapter, with its deeply personal connection to both Luthuli and RD, adds a unique and valuable perspective to this ongoing dialogue.

For those interested in exploring the historical and contemporary relevance of Chief Albert Luthuli, this book is available through Unisa Press. Through the collective insights of contributors like Rivonia Naidu, readers are invited to engage with the multiple identities and layers of leadership that shaped South Africa's past and continue to influence its future.

* By Vicky-Lee Lee Shew, Acting Communication Manager, Unisa Western Cape

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Publish date: 2024-11-19 00:00:00.0

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