University of Zululand, 20 July 2025 - KwaZulu-Natal Premier Honourable Thamsanqa Ntuli delivered a powerful and thought-provoking keynote address at the Mbali Conference, hosted by the University of Zululand under the theme: “Africa – A Beacon of Strength and Stability in Turbulent Times.”

Held before an audience of scholars, academics, and cultural thought leaders, the conference focused on African knowledge systems, women’s leadership, and the role of intellectuals in shaping the continent’s future. Premier Ntuli’s address traced Africa’s journey across nine key epochs—offering a compelling narrative of pride, resilience, innovation, and rebirth.

“Africa’s story begins not in the margins of history, but at its very centre. From the astronomical wisdom of the Dogon to the architectural brilliance of Kemet, ours is a continent that once led the world in civilisation,” said Premier Ntuli as he opened his remarks.

Reflecting on the Ancient Epoch, the Premier reminded delegates of Africa’s deep intellectual heritage, rooted in astronomy, philosophy, governance, and spiritual knowledge. He described the continent’s ancient societies as “sophisticated, resilient, and deeply human.”

Turning to the Colonial Epoch, Premier Ntuli acknowledged the violence and disruption of colonialism but praised the enduring power of African traditions and memory. He highlighted leaders such as Chief Albert Luthuli and Prince Mangosuthu Buthelezi as exemplars of African resistance rooted in dignity, education, and cultural preservation.

“It was during this epoch that a new kind of African leadership emerged—one that fused tradition with resistance,” he said.

During his address, Premier Ntuli commended the University of Zululand under the leadership of Prof. Mtose, as well as the MBALI Programme, led by Prof. Greyling and Prof. Kaseeram, for creating platforms that centre African intellectualism.

“Institutions like UniZulu are not just centres of learning; they are nodes of African thought, and the birthplace of our intellectual renaissance,” he stated.

Premier Ntuli also engaged deeply with the implications of the Digital Epoch, warning of the risks posed by Eurocentric values embedded in artificial intelligence. He called for an urgent investment in African AI, indigenous coding languages, and digital ethics rooted in Ubuntu.

“If we do not assert our epistemologies and values in this digital age, we risk becoming data points in someone else’s empire,” he cautioned.

In highlighting the Pan-African Epoch, the Premier framed the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) as a civilisational project that offers Africa the opportunity to become a producer, innovator, and cultural powerhouse. He positioned KwaZulu-Natal as a strategic gateway to this renaissance, with its ports, logistics hubs, and rural economies playing a key role.

Celebrating the Epoch of Women, Premier Ntuli paid tribute to African heroines like Queen Nandi, Charlotte Maxeke, and iNdlovukazi Matomka Sobhuza, emphasising that Africa’s future stability hinges on the full empowerment of women in education, governance, research, and the economy.

“The heartbeat of Africa’s future is feminine. We must honour it, invest in it, and follow its lead,” he said.

In confronting the Anti-Intellectual Epoch, Premier Ntuli denounced the era marked by the stigmatisation of critical thinkers under the dismissive label “clever blacks.” He called for the restoration of intellectual dignity and the elevation of scholars as essential to governance and development.

“Intellectualism is not elitism. It is the lifeblood of any society that seeks to grow, to govern justly, and to innovate,” he declared.

Finally, Premier Ntuli closed by declaring the arrival of the Epoch of Rebirth—a time of renewed African confidence, political clarity, and scholarly resurgence. He called for a future where the academy is embraced as a pillar of democracy, and where knowledge serves as the engine of transformation.

“Africa is not rising; it is being reborn. Let us lead—not by imitation, but by becoming more fully ourselves,” he concluded.

The Mbali Conference reaffirmed KwaZulu-Natal’s commitment to thought leadership, academic excellence, and cultural sovereignty—positioning the province at the forefront of Africa’s intellectual and developmental awakening.