Africa is our centre
of gravity, our cultural and
spiritual mother and father,
our beating heart, no matter
where we live on the face
of this earth.
– John Henrik Clarke, Pioneer of Pan-Africanism
About Us
The Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation was established at the University of Johannesburg (UJ) in 2016 as one of nine flagship centres of excellence to conduct research.
It provides a forum for scholars, practitioners, and civil society actors across Africa and its Diaspora to dialogue and contribute to the rigorous production and dissemination of Pan-African knowledge and culture.
The Institute seeks to promote original and innovative Pan-African ideas and critical dialogue in pursuit of global excellence in research and teaching, and to contribute actively to building an international profile for UJ on Pan-African issues.
Vision and Mission
Vision
The Institute for Pan-African Thought and Conversation is a centre of excellence providing a forum for scholars, practitioners, and civil society actors across Africa and its Diaspora to dialogue and contribute to the rigorous production and dissemination of Pan-African knowledge and culture.
Mission
The Institute aims to promote original and innovative Pan-African ideas and critical dialogue in pursuit of global excellence in research and teaching, and to contribute actively to building an international profile for the University of Johannesburg on Pan-African issues.
The Team
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Dr. Odilile Ayodele Senior Researcher
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Dr. Chidochashe Nyere Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
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Dr. Hlengiwe Phetha Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
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Dr. Rich Mashimbye Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
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Dr. Noluthando Phungula Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
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Dr. Tinuade Adekunbi Ojo Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
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Dr. Emmaculate Asige Liaga Post-Doctoral Research Fellow
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Dr. Mabutho Shangase Researcher
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Ms. Nqophisa Diko Researcher
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Ms. Malaika Mahlatsi Researcher
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Ms. Hellen Adogo Research Assistant
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Ms. Naledi Ramontja Research Assistant
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Ms. Kamogelo Segone Research Assistant
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Mr. Vusimuzi Gumbi Research Assistant
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Ms. Lesego Motsage Student Assistant
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Ms. Hope Tshepiso Dhlamini Communications Intern
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What We Offer
Outreach
Communications Strategy
The Institute will develop an effective communications strategy aimed at adding value to the public sphere, and enriching debates on Pan-African political, socio-economic, and cultural issues with which the Institute is engaged.
Its main aims will be to influence South African and Pan-African debates about key issues; inform and educate public opinion; involve the general public, academics, policymakers, and the media about the Institute’s work; and disseminate this work across Africa and its Diaspora.
These goals will be achieved through hosting public dialogues; publishing targeted media articles; writing, publishing, and disseminating journal articles and books in collaboration with other Pan-African scholars and centres; and maintaining the Institute’s website and social media platforms.
Public dialogues are an important part of the ‘conversation’ aspect of the Institute’s mission. Documentaries and films on major Pan-African figures and issues will also form part of these dialogues.
Building Bridges with Africa and its Diaspora
IPATC will seek to build bridges with institutions in all five African subregions, as well as key Diaspora intellectual communities in the United States, the America’s, the Caribbean, and Europe. These collaborations will reflect the cultural diversity of Pan-Africanism, encompassing the anglophone, francophone, lusophone, and arabophone worlds.
IPATC is collaborating with key affiliated institutions in each region with which to collaborate on research, teaching, and hosting lectures. These institutions will also help to disseminate the work of the Institute, and help build its profile in these countries and regions.