Role of African Intellectuals in South Africa

About this grant

This grant will enable the University of South Africa to examine the effect on South Africa of African intellectuals from other countries on the continent coming to live and work in the country during the past decade. South Africa has been addressing the challenges of identity since the end of apartheid 10 years ago, not only concerning South African identity, but also its place in the African continent. At the same time, the number of Africans coming to live and work in the country greatly increased during that time period.Multiyear funding will support a project to analyze the roles these intellectuals have been playing in South African society; the contributions they are making; if they are helping to reintegrate South Africa into the continent; and how South Africans perceive them. The project is part of a special fund commemorating 10 years of democracy in South Africa and is funded by the Mott, Ford and Kellogg foundations. A comprehensive research report will be published.The University of South Africa is the largest distance learning institution in Africa, drawing students from all over the continent. The Centre for African Renaissance Studies was established to research South Africa’s place in the rest of the continent and to encourage transcontinental and intercontinental debate, dialogue, discussion and exchanges.