Colloquium invitation
Solidarity then and now: African and Norwegian perspectives on scholarly collaboration and social justice amid geopolitical change
Thursday, 7 May 2026
12:00 to 13:30 (SAST)
University of the Western Cape, Bellville Campus
Library Auditorium / livestream
Lunch will be served after the event
RSVP here
Livestream details will be emailed to confirmed RSVPs
Can solidarity from a moment in history be reimagined for the present geopolitical moment? Norway’s anti-apartheid movement was one of the most active and dedicated, building on a rich history of brave and principled solidarity with several other African liberation movements across the continent.
In the first 10 years of democracy in South Africa, the solidarity in the struggle against apartheid carried through to a new period. Norway supported those building South Africa’s system of constitutionalism and human rights, and provided opportunities to students, scholars and activists to work with counterparts in Norway and other parts of the world.
Over time, partnerships between academic institutions in Norway and across Africa have centred on democracy, governance, and social justice – and increasingly also climate justice. To what extent is this a form of solidarity, and how have partnerships advanced scholarship for social justice and the public good in both countries? With profound changes in our geopolitical context, what does, and what should, solidarity mean now? And what is the way forward for scholarly solidarity and partnerships for social justice?
This colloquium will feature a keynote by the Norwegian ambassador, the former Minister of International Development, together with a panel of leading academics, political leaders and students to discuss how African studies are decolonised in Africa and Norway, and how students and academics are responding to this urgent need.
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Programme
Welcome
Professor Priscilla Baker, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation, UWC
Keynote speaker
Her Excellency Anne Beathe Kristiansen, Ambassador of Norway to South Africa
Panel discussion
A facilitated panel discussion with leading African and Norwegian scholars.
- Chair: Professor Ruth Hall
- Professor Tor Halvorsen, University of Bergen
- Professor Lyn Ossome, Makerere University
- Professor Moenieba Isaacs, PLAAS, University of the Western Cape
- Professor Poul Wisborg, Norwegian University of the Life Sciences
- Mr Siphesihle Mbhele, PLAAS, University of the Western Cape
- Professor James Murombedzi, former head, African Climate Policy Centre, UNECA
Open discussion
Closing and vote of thanks
Professor Michelle Esau, Dean, Economic and Management Sciences Faculty, UWC
