by Lerato Motsisi
Ronnie Mamoepa, an astute communicator and activist’s legacy and contributions were honoured during the launch of the inaugural Ronnie Mamoepa Annual Memorial Lecture at the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT). The Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation (RMF) in partnership with the Faculty of Humanities hosted the lecture at the Dinokeng Building, Pretoria Campus.
Aimed at serving as a platform for distinguished speakers to discuss important topics in governance, communication and international relations, as well as providing a dynamic platform to engage in meaningful activities that Ronnie espoused to promote dialogue and change, whilst inspiring students, staff and the broader community, the diverse audience comprised government officials, academics, staff, students, Mamoepa’s family members and the community.
Opening the event, TUT’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke welcomed everyone and thanked Deputy President, Paul Mashatile, for making time in his busy schedule to deliver the lecture in memory of this communication giant.
“It is an incredible honour for this 20-year old institution that the foundation has chosen one of our campuses to host the inaugural Ronnie Mamoepa memorial lecture, with the theme ‘30 years of democracy reflection and citizen-centred government communication’. As a people’s university, we are particularly honoured to have Mrs Mamoepa and her children at TUT today,” said Prof Maluleke.
The programme then commenced with a video of Ronnie’s life and his son, Sakhile, speaking about his father and the importance of the lecture series. Ronnie Mamoepa was remembered as someone who lived life to the fullest, being an astute public servant, family man and renowned communicator.
Deputy President Paul Mashatile
“The lecture series serves as a platform dedicated to honouring my father’s life’s work and ensuring that the values he held dear, continue to inspire future generations. It was conceived out of a deep recognition of the critical role that he played in shaping the public discourse through government communication. His work in government communication was much more than issuing statements. It was about creating understanding, fostering transparency and ensuring that the voice of all citizens was heard. As we reflect on our democratic journey, which celebrates its 30th anniversary this year, it becomes clear that the strength of any democratic society is based in informed and engaged and empowered citizens. He knew that government communication was just not the tool of governance, it was an essential part of nation building,” said Sakhile.
To reflect deeper on Ronnie’s legacy, a panel discussion, moderated by Prof Busani Ngcaweni from the National School of Government, further articulated the role of government communication for the betterment of its citizenry. The panel members, which included Phil Molefe, a notable South African journalist and former executive at the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC), further articulated the importance of professionalising the public service and for being relevant and adapting the way government communicates with its people.
“Ronnie Mamoepa set the agenda and determined the pace of the news. He was the quintessential communication activist. He not only communicated, but he campaigned for change and development in what he communicated,” said Molefe.
Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof Tinyiko Maluleke and the
Deputy President Paul Mashatile.
“Ronnie and I were elected to the executive of the African National Congress (ANC) where I was the head of political education and he was a communicator. As young activists, we were determined to achieve a non-racial, non-sexist, equal and united society. Ronnie was an intellectual who recognised the necessity of investing in research, reading, critical theory and discipline. These days, when people complain about government communication, we remember Ronnie,” said the Deputy President.
He continued to speak about Ronnie’s role in the ANC as a communicator and a public relations expert and how his voice is missed in the current political climate of the country. The honourable Deputy President took the opportunity to touch on the formation of the Government of National Unity (GNU), that came about after the 2024 national elections of South Africa. He also congratulated the South Africa Student Congress (SASCO) for winning the elections at TUT to a resounding applause from the students who were in attendance.
“We view SASCO as a critical part of the mass democratic movement that produces intellectuals in line with its motto of preparing for battles ahead. Over the years, SASCO has produced critical minds who today are contributing to the advancement of the national democratic revolution,” said the Deputy President.
He also alluded to his confidence that Ronnie would have been pleased to see the presence of young activists who are undeterred by the prevailing political climate. Young people who are striving to improve the learning circumstances of their peers, who are equally ambitious to realise their goals and contribute to the development of our country and our continent.
The lecture included the awarding of two awards, the Dean of Communication award to Groovin Nchabeleng, MC of the event.
He was recognised for his exceptional contribution to developing communication skills that were embodied by Ronnie; and the Ronnie Mamoepa Excellence Award, was given to Prof Busani Ngcaweni for his outstanding contribution to the public service.
Prof Mashupye Maserumule, Executive Dean of the Faculty of Humanities, closed the proceedings and thanked everyone for contributing to the success of the inaugural lecture. “On behalf of TUT, we would like to thank the Ronnie Mamoepa Foundation for giving us an opportunity to immortalise Ronnie’s work in government communication. He thanked the Deputy President for coming to TUT and addressing a topic that has been muted for so long. “The lecture invoked historical consciousness in many of us and we are honoured to have it as part of our essence to being a University that makes knowledge work,” concluded Prof Maserumule.
- The annual Ronnie Mamoepa lecture series seeks to firstly, reflect on the progress made to a democratic nation, while aiming to create a space for critical discourse where diverse voices come together to assess state of our nation and the role of government in communication and advancing our democracy. Secondly, the lectures seek to inspire and educate our next generation of communicators, leaders and citizens by igniting passion, curiosity, and equipping individuals with the tools to navigate the complex landscape of governance, media and public engagement. Finally, to build a citizen-centred communication model, one that beyond the walls of government, can create a dialogue that truly serves the people.