Dagbreek men’s residence, in collaboration with the transformation office, hosted Premier Helen Zille at Kruiskerk to talk about freedom and transformation at the launch of Inkululeko Students: Talking freedom, a booklet explaining liberal alternatives to identity politics and critical race theory. The word Inkululeko, means freedom in IsiZulu.
A booklet containing various terms and concepts engaged with at the discussion. PHOTO: Bonita Williams
By way of introducing the premier, opening remarks focused on shifting the dialogue away from identity politics and embracing the rights of free speech outlined in the constitution.
“When we use a big word like freedom, we can’t help but recall our country’s constitution. It is the foundation on which the freedoms we enjoy today were built. It is the reason we can have an opinion without fear of persecution,” said Tian Alberts, Dagbreek house committee member for student affairs.
Tian Alberts addressing the audience about what freedom means in a democratic South Africa. PHOTO: Bonita Williams
Alberts was supported in his view that freedom of expression is under threat by identity politics.
Zille said: “My understanding of transformation is of a society that evolves to the highest level of freedom possible. Where freedom means having the right, the space, opportunity and the means or wherewithal to live a life you value.”
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“You have to be free to determine your own identity,” said Zille, “to determine the values that will shape you as a person. You need to be free to decide which aspects of your personality will become your identity.”
Western Cape Premier, Helen Zille PHOTO: Bonita Williams
Lwando Nkamisa, Chairperson of the Student Representative Council (SRC), said: “When we discuss issues, we need all parties to come to the table.”
“We as the SRC try to involve everyone. Identity politics distracts from debate and we are learning from our experience. We are a university that has conversations, we have a culture of conversation and we couldn’t constrain it by who is the victim, who is the perpetrator, let’s allow everyone to have equal opportunities to be able to move forward. You can be shocked by what you can learn from the people you disagree with.
Tariq Khan, former Chairperson of Democratic Alliance Student Organisation, said: “This marks the beginning of a process where we are starting to engage with ideas on their merits and not on the identity of the person who says them, I also believe this will contribute to reconciliation on our campus, because it means we are entering into discussions to learn and to find the truth.”