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Solomon Tshekisho Plaatje, a man who stood for dignity, justice and Understanding the values that shaped his life’s work was celebrated during the Sol Plaatje Memorial Weekend from 10 to 11 October 2025 at Sol Plaatje University (SPU). The weekend honoured the author, intellectual and activist after whom the University is named, a place where human effort, knowledge and purpose converge in the service of humanity.
This year’s Memorial Weekend carried special significance as SPU bid farewell to its inaugural Chancellor, Justice Steven Majiedt, who has served the University with distinction since 2016.
The weekend began with SPU’s flagship event, the Annual Sol Plaatje Lecture, delivered by Justice Steven Majiedt, honouring Plaatje’s enduring legacy by exploring the intersection of law, justice and moral responsibility.
SPU’s Chief Operating Officer, Dr David Kanguwe, welcomed the guests. He described Plaatje as “a writer, translator, journalist, political activist and believer in education and dialogue.”
Acting Vice-Chancellor and Principal Designate, Prof Debra Meyer, described the lecture as “one of the most meaningful gatherings in the Northern Cape’s academic and civic life.” She encouraged attendees to “pause, reflect and draw lessons from Plaatje’s legacy,” reminding all that learning at SPU is both a privilege and a moral duty.
Prof Jesmael Mataga, Acting Director of the Research Office, delivered a moving reflection that linked Sol Plaatje’s legacy to ancestry, intellect and institutional memory. He reminded the audience that memorial lectures are more than formal commemorations; they are moments of communion with those who came before us, whose ideas and courage continue to shape our conscience. Tracing the lecture’s journey since its inception, he celebrated how the tradition has drawn leading thinkers who challenge and inspire society. In his lecture, Justice Majiedt reflected on the transformative power of education and the University’s duty to foster justice and equality. Delivering his lecture, Justice Majiedt drew profound parallels between his judicial journey and Plaatje’s life of service. Under the theme Lessons Learnt During My Career as a Judge from the Life and Legacy of the Venerable Sol Plaatje, he spoke of humility, purpose, and integrity: “We as judges must remain humble servants of the people, like Sol Plaatje. We live in a country with serious challenges, and yet I remain optimistic because there are millions with that same selfless spirit. When we dispense justice, we must do so equally, to the rich and the poor.”
SPU’s Acting Vice-Chancellor Designate, Prof Debra Meyer, described Justice Majiedt as “a true son of the Northern Cape who helped lay the foundation of a new institution built on integrity and impact.” A message from SPU Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Andrew Crouch, was delivered on his behalf by the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Prof Paul Green. Prof Crouch reflected on his close working relationship with Justice Majiedt and their shared commitment to widening access to higher education.
In his own address, Justice Majiedt reflected on the journey of building SPU and the power of collaboration in shaping the University’s future. He spoke of preserving universities as sacred spaces for knowledge, dialogue and youth development, echoing Plaatje’s belief that education is the truest act of service to one’s people.
On Saturday, 11 October 2025, Justice Majiedt hosted the Chancellor’s Golf Day in partnership with Standard Bank to raise funds for the TPP.
Acting Vice-Chancellor Designate, Prof Debra Meyer, described the fundraiser as “a tangible expression of what it means to lead with purpose, to translate gratitude into opportunity.” Northern Cape Premier Dr Zamani Saul commended the University for creating pathways for learners, announcing a R300 000 donation to the TPP. The programme identifies the top-performing learners in Grades 10, 11, and 12 from under-resourced schools across the Northern Cape, with a focus on rural areas. It provides academic enrichment as well as social and psychosocial support to prepare these learners for success in higher education and beyond. Through this initiative, SPU helps strengthen the province’s education ecosystem and widen access to opportunity.
Former TPP learner Jemima Freeman, now a third-year Bachelor of Arts student at SPU is a living testament to the life-changing impact of the programme. Shared he journey, “It was more than academic preparation. It was emotional and psychological support. It gave me confidence when I had none, and reminded me of who I was when I felt lost.”
Coming Home to Purpose and Legacy
While golfers teed off for a cause, the Faculty of Education welcomed
It’s alumni back home. Director: Institutional Advancement, Ms Kashini Maistry, opened the event by describing alumni as “the heartbeat of SPU’s story, a story of purpose, perseverance, and impact.”
Justice Majiedt urged alumni to “pursue education that uplifts and transforms communities,” mirroring Plaatje’s life of selfless service.
Dean of the Faculty of Education, Prof Boitumelo
Diale reflected on SPU’s journey of growth and reaffirmed the faculty’s mission to prepare teachers who are excellent, inclusive, and grounded in community realities. Diale encouraged the alumni to remain grounded in humility and purpose as they continue to grow teachers who change the world.
Special guest speaker Ms Lynn Forbes, mother of the late Hip-Hop artist
AKA, shared words of encouragement with personal lessons from her own journey and her family’s long line of educators. She reminded alumni that teachers wear many hats, mentors, guides, and change makers, and encouraged them to always leave a lasting impact in the classroom.
In her closing remarks, Ms Mosima Mehlape, Manager: Communication and Marketing, reminded alumni of the sacred responsibility they carry, “When you walked across the graduation stage, you carried more than a qualification. You carried the living light of Sol Plaatje, a light rooted in heritage, driven by purpose, and guided by knowledge that illuminates.”
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