TITLE: CONTINENTAL CONFERENCE ON DEMOCRATISATION AND DECOLONISATION OF EDUCATION
THURSDAY: 07 DECEMBER 2023
The South African Democratic Teachers’ Union (SADTU) will co-host the Continental Conference on Democratisation and Decolonisation of Education with German-based PoliTeknik Magazine.
The Conference is part of the “Extension of Human Rights to Education” project – a global collective formed by academics, social workers, teachers’ unions, students’ associations, and civil society organisations to critically reflect on Article 26 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. It is the third international conference and the first to be held in Africa.
The two-day conference which coincidentally begin on the eve of International Human Right Day (10 December), is a crucial step towards ensuring a United Nations (UN) vote on the extension of human rights to education. The United Nations has laid down the rights to education in the Charter of Human Rights and declared it to be an obligation for governments, civil societies, and individuals. However, its implementation has been partial. Therefore, all efforts must be made to ensure it is implemented universally. The Extension of Human Rights to Education Project seeks to draw in all democratic forces to influence the universal enforcement and modification of Article 26 to reflect the current challenges.
The Minister for Basic Education, Angie Motshekga will open the conference on the first day. SADTU General Secretary, Mugwena Maluleke and Siziphiwe Rola from Networking HIV and AIDS Community Southern Africa (NACOSA) will deliver welcoming speeches. Further, Mr Maluleke will present on the Privatisation of Education and its impact on societies.
Academics the likes of Professor Salim Vally from the University of Johannesburg, Professor Neema Abooki from Makerere University in Uganda and Professor Rasigan Maharaj from the Tshwane University of Technology will address the Conference. Batlokoa Makong and Lennon Monyae from the African Peer Review Mechanism will address on the democratisation of the United Nations.
SASCO General Secretary, Alungile Kamtshe will present on Education Today from a Student’s perspective. Liesel Orr from the National Labour and Economic Development Institute (NALEDI) shall present on Workers’ Rights to Education in Africa and Watshia Muyembi from the African Diaspora Forum shall present on Human and Education Rights of African Refugees.
Details of the Conference on Democratisation and Decolonisation of Education are as follows:
Dates: Saturday, 9 to Sunday, 10 December 2023
Time: 9am
Venue : Southern Sun, OR Tambo Hotel, Kempton Park.
The media are welcome to the cover the Conference.
For media accreditation: Wilson Mmako tmmako@sadtu.org.za – 0664917416
Media Enquiries: Zeynel Korkmaz +90 543 227 66 29
ISSUED BY: SADTU Secretariat.