Honourable Premier Thamsanqa Ntuli's address, eloquently delivered on his behalf by Deputy Director-General Ngubane, set the tone for a profound and reflective gathering at the 2nd Annual Dr. JL Dube Public Lecture. The event, marked by the presence of prominent figures such as former Deputy President Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, Leader of the Opposition in Parliament Dr. John Hlophe, and other esteemed dignitaries, underscored the ongoing commitment to nurturing leadership and advancing the ideals of equality and justice in our society.
In his speech, Premier Ntuli paid tribute to Dr. John Langalibalele Dube, a pioneering leader whose legacy of educational empowerment and struggle for freedom remains a cornerstone of our collective history. The Premier reaffirmed the significance of the Dr. JL Dube Public Lecture as a critical platform for inspiring thought leadership and fostering a new generation of leaders who will carry forward Dr. Dube's vision of a united, just, and prosperous South Africa.
The Premier's message also highlighted the deepening partnership between the KwaZulu-Natal Provincial Government and UNISA, celebrating their collaborative efforts in advancing education, capacity building, and social change. He acknowledged that the ongoing engagement with UNISA, particularly through the Human Resource Development Council (HRDC), is central to addressing the socio-economic challenges faced by our province and country.
Premier Ntuli's address reflected on the values that Dr. JL Dube championed—racial equality, justice, and African unity. These values, the Premier noted, remain as relevant today as they were during Dr. Dube's lifetime. The Premier's words called for a renewed commitment to these ideals, urging all stakeholders—government, educational institutions, civil society, and the private sector—to work together in creating a capable, ethical, and developmental state.
The Premier concluded his address by expressing his sincere gratitude to all who attended and supported the event, emphasising the importance of continued collaboration in building a society that embodies the principles of justice, unity, and equality for all.