NIHSS

27/10/2026

15/10/2026

The conversations may have concluded, but the questions they raised remain as relevant as ever.

Reflecting on the 2026 NRF Next Generation and Emerging Researchers Symposium, one critical question stands out: What does it truly mean to decolonise research, not only in theory, but in whose voices are heard, whose realities shape research, and who ultimately benefits from the knowledge produced?

A session facilitated by NIHSS CEO Prof Pearl Sithole, the Decolonising Research panel brought together Prof Maphalala Mncedisi of Mangosuthu University of Technology , Dr Dimpho Maponya of the University of Johannesburg, and Dr Mpoe Johannah Keikelame, Independent Researcher, to explore how decolonisation can translate into meaningful research practice.

Framing the discussion through “science as justice,” Prof Sithole challenged the research community to recognise Africa not merely as a recipient of knowledge, but as a producer of knowledge for itself and the world.

A central message emerged: decolonising research is not about compromising academic rigour, but about ensuring that research is inclusive, contextually relevant and capable of making a meaningful societal contribution. As emerging researchers take these conversations forward, the challenge is to move beyond critical reflection towards research that genuinely responds to the communities and realities it seeks to understand.

The conversation may have ended, but the responsibility to rethink how knowledge is produced, valued and applied continues.

Read the full article: https://nihss.ac.za/news-feed

06/10/2026

The South African BRICS Think Tank (SABTT) is pleased to be represented at the 17th Humanities and Social Sciences International Conference (HASSIC 2026), taking place from 8-9 October at the University of Zululand.

In the absence of SABTT Chairperson Prof Mogomme Masoga, Prof Nirmala Gopal will represent the Chairperson and SABTT at the conference, alongside fellow SABTT representatives Prof Nthabiseng Motsemme, Prof Bashabi Gupta, Prof. Ajay Dubey and Dr Sinethemba Sidloyi, who will contribute as plenary speakers.

We look forward to their contribution to the important conversations on knowledge production, Artificial Intelligence, the Humanities and Social Sciences, and international academic collaboration.

29/09/2026

Following the SAHUDA Quarterly Meeting and Recognition Programme, the engagement continued with the SAHUDA Annual Distinguished Lecture, supported by the NIHSS, under the theme “Traditions of Solidarity and the University of the Future.”

Delivering the lecture, Prof Crain Soudien challenged universities to critically examine the institutions they have inherited and to take a stand on the futures they wish to create. At the heart of his lecture was a call to rethink universities as part of a wider commons, one that extends beyond access to embrace participation, collective responsibility and shared benefit. He cautioned against romanticising an idealised past, arguing instead that universities have always been contested spaces shaped by questions of knowledge, power, inequality and belonging.

Moderated by Prof Siphokazi Magadla, the conversation created space to interrogate what solidarity might mean for universities of the future and how the Humanities and Social Sciences can contribute to building institutions that are more just, reflective and socially responsive.

Responding to the lecture, Dr Qawekazi Maqabuka reflected on the role of memory in shaping the future of universities, inviting consideration of what should be carried forward from the past, what must be transformed and what should consciously be left behind within a South African higher education landscape shaped by histories of exclusion, inequality, resistance and transformation.

The conversation also reinforced the importance of solidarity, responsibility and our shared intellectual traditions in thinking about the future of higher education. Prof Soudien situated universities within a much longer history of intergenerational knowledge, including traditions such as Ubuntu, while reminding us that these inheritances are never without contradiction or contestation.

For those who may have missed the conversation, or who would like to revisit it, the full lecture and discussion are now available on YouTube. We are sharing it again because the questions raised extend beyond the event itself and remain deeply relevant to ongoing conversations about solidarity, knowledge, transformation and the future of universities.

Watch the full conversation here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WHdUVY_orA4

26/09/2026

The NIHSS was proud to support the South African Humanities Deans Association (SAHUDA) as members convened for their quarterly meeting, chaired by Prof Zethu Nkosi, President of SAHUDA.

The programme also marked the conferral of the SAHUDA Distinguished Leadership and Service Award upon Prof Mogomme Masoga, in recognition of his distinguished scholarship, academic leadership and longstanding service to the Humanities and Social Sciences.

Reflections on his leadership highlighted a career grounded in the advancement of African scholarship, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, curriculum transformation, and postgraduate development, alongside a deep commitment to mentorship and institution-building. Colleagues reflected on a leader who has consistently created intellectual space for others, strengthened academic communities, and championed the place of African knowledge within the HSS.

In his acceptance remarks, Prof Masoga reflected warmly on his longstanding relationship with SAHUDA, describing the Association as an important and strategic intellectual community and reaffirming his commitment to supporting its work and its continued partnership with NIHSS.

The recognition serves as a fitting tribute to a scholar, mentor and institution-builder whose contribution continues to shape the humanities and higher education landscape in South Africa, and whose legacy is reflected not only in the positions he has held, but in the scholars, leaders and institutions he has helped to strengthen.

24/09/2026

Today, we celebrate the cultures, traditions, stories and knowledge that shape who we are as a nation.

As we honour the richness of our past, we are also reminded that heritage is not only something we preserve, but also something we continually reimagine, strengthen and carry forward.

Under the National theme, “Reimagine our heritage institutions for a new era,” we recognise the important role of heritage in building a more inclusive, innovative and socially responsive future.

May we continue to protect our history, celebrate our diversity and create spaces where our heritage remains relevant for generations to come.

Happy Heritage Day South Africa!

23/09/2026

Meet our scholarly respondent: Dr Qawekazi Maqabuka (PhD)
What happens when institutions fail to listen, respond and account for the people they are meant to serve?

Dr Qawekazi Maqabuka’s scholarship is deeply concerned with questions of justice, accountability, inequality and institutional responsibility, making her an important voice in this year’s conversation on the university of the future.

As the scholarly respondent to Prof Crain Soudien’s Distinguished Lecture, she will bring a critical contemporary lens to the discussion on “Traditions of Solidarity and the University of the Future.”

Her contribution forms part of an important scholarly engagement bringing together leading voices to reflect on the future of higher education, institutional responsibility and the role of solidarity in shaping more responsive universities.

Please see link to register in advance and be part of the conversation:
https://us02web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_ODU4RLD6QNa-I6qbfBzfsw #/registration

23/09/2026

Meet our distinguished speaker: Prof Crain Soudien.

What does solidarity mean for the university of the future, and what can South Africa’s history teach us about building institutions that are more responsive, inclusive and socially grounded.

With decades of scholarship and leadership across education, culture and social difference, Prof Crain Soudien brings a deeply informed perspective to this year’s SAHUDA Annual Distinguished Lecture.

Under the theme “Traditions of Solidarity and the University of the Future,” his address will contribute to an important scholarly conversation on the values, histories and institutional choices that will shape the future of higher education.