Unisa’s Thabo Mbeki African School of Public and International Affairs (TM-School), in partnership with the Miriam Makeba Foundation, recently hosted the 4^th Annual Miriam Makeba Lecture, under the theme "Miriam Makeba Soweto Blues – Celebrating the Life and Legacy of a Revolutionary and Political/Cultural Diplomat: 50 Years since the Soweto Uprisings". The occasion was held on 23 April 2026 at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus.  

Dr Miriam Makeba, affectionately known as "Mama Africa", was a musician, a cultural diplomat for her country and continent, and a voice against injustice and apartheid. The series of annual memorial lectures in her honour was introduced by the TM-School and the Miriam Makeba Foundation in 2023, as a fitting tribute to her enduring legacy.

In her opening and welcoming address, Dr Matsheliso Molapo, Vice-Principal: Strategy, Risk and Advisory Services, acknowledged the presence of diplomatic corps from various African countries, members of Unisa’s executive and extended management, programme participants, representatives from Miriam Makeba’s family and the Miriam Makeba Foundation, esteemed guests, and Unisa employees, students and alumni.

Dr Matsheliso Molapo

Stressing the nature of Unisa’s collaboration with the Miriam Makeba Foundation, Molapo stated: "Unisa has taken the opportunity to recognise and form a partnership with the Miriam Makeba Foundation to promote Makeba’s legacy, advocacy, music and quest for social justice". She further affirmed that the partnership aims to highlight Makeba’s role as a cultural diplomat and to ensure that her contributions remain a part of academic and social discourse in South Africa.

Continuing, she pointed out Unisa’s dedication to honouring Makeba’s legacy, mentioning the concert hall named after her at Unisa’s Muckleneuk Campus, the annual memorial lectures, and connecting her work to discussion, cultural diplomacy and human rights to foster academic and cultural impact. Lastly, she highlighted that Unisa bestowed an honorary doctorate on Makeba in 2002, recognising her international influence and contribution to South Africa’s music and freedom.

Detailing the background and purpose of the lecture

David Letsoalo, Director: Academic Support, Student Affairs, Internationalisation and Community Engagement at the TM-School, emphasised that the lecture is held as part of the Makeba Cultural Diplomacy Engaged Scholarship Project at the TM-School and detailed ongoing plans to publish a book about Makeba to further the initiative.

David Letsoalo

Recognising South African historical moments marked by the memorial lecture, Letsoalo conscientised the audience of the 70^th anniversary of the Women’s March in 1956 to the Union Buildings, the 50 years since the Soweto Uprisings of 16 June 1976, and the 30-year existence of the country’s finalised Constitution.

Exposition on Makeba’s cultural diplomacy

Nosipho Mxakato, Ambassador in Residence at Unisa, explored the extent of Makeba’s diplomacy, saying: "She embodied and championed not just the aspirations of the people in her country and continent, but also sought to convey to the world our humanity and the truth of who we are". Furthermore, Mxakato applauded Makeba’s diplomatic appointments at the United Nations (UN), including serving as a Goodwill Ambassador for the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation from 1998 to 2008.

Ambassador Nosipho Mxakato

Notably, Mxakato praised Makeba’s purposeful use of her music, "She turned her art into a formidable embassy for her continent," she added. "Makeba was the only artist to perform at the launch of the Organisation of African Unity in 1963 and was appointed the cultural envoy of the entity in the same year."

Representatives from the Makeba family, the Embassy of the Republic of Guinea, Kiswahili Afrika, and the National Heritage Council delivered messages of support to commemorate the multifaceted, positive influence of Mama Africa.

Abigail Kubeka

Abigail Kubeka, a South African singer, songwriter and actress, paid tribute to Makeba for her lasting impact on the arts and culture sector.

Makeba’s musical impact

Delivering the lecture, Dr Naledi Kotu-Rammopo, a lifelong friend of the legendary singer, urged attendees to remember the significance of Makeba’s music as a way of honouring the memory of those who sacrificed their lives for a better tomorrow. "Mama Africa’s Soweto Blues song stands as a testament to the resilience and strength of a human spirit, serving as a battle cry for justice and inequality," she added. She further reiterated the power of Makeba’s music and its ability to raise awareness, inspire change, and unite all in their common humanity.

Dr Naledi Kotu-Rammopo

Spreading the message about South Africa

Kotu-Rammopo expressed her appreciation for Makeba’s dedication to engaging with prominent figures, such as Martin Luther King Jr and Louis Farrakhan, on the issue of apartheid in South Africa. "Through these contacts, she was able to push the agenda of fighting apartheid internationally, speaking at the United Nations Committee in 1963, and before the full assembly in 1964," she remarked.

The lecture was concluded with academic reflections and cultural performances, honouring Mama Africa’s diverse gifts.

* By Victor Malatji, Journalist Intern, Department of Institutional Advancement

**  Photography by Shooheima Champion, Multimedia Centre