South Africa Initiative Returns for Spring

LEXINGTON, Ky. (Feb. 25, 2011) − The College of Arts and Sciences will welcome students and members of the general public to take part in the South Africa Initiative, "Kentucky & South Africa: Different Lands, Common Ground," again this semester. The film series and A&S 100 class takes a closer look at the two societies' rich histories and present-day conditions.

The South Africa Initiative will feature screenings of the film, "Have You Heard from Johannesburg," a seven-part documentary film on the global anti-apartheid movement by Academy-Award winning filmmaker Connie Field.

"One of the reasons that last semester was so popular was because of the power of the film 'Have You Heard from Johannesburg.' Most students and visitors found it captivating and enlightening," said Lauren Kientz, the program director.

Sarah Cole, a senior in the nursing program, learned how ordinary people can come together to create a change within a local, and even global, community.

“Each film showed a different group of people who effected change: students, sports fans, clergy and many others. I believe that many people in America have forgotten the power of a group of people with a common goal,” said Cole. “If we could show this to those around us, we can make a difference and better the community in which we live.”

The program will also feature new speakers and events for the spring, including activists, scholars, politicians and performances.

"We have a whole new set of speakers coming this spring," said Kientz. "I want students to realize how rich the resources are on a university campus and that films, speakers and discussions are happening all the time."

Screenings and lectures will take place Mondays and Wednesdays over the eight-week period of Feb. 23-April 20 from 4:30 p.m. to 5:45 p.m in Room 213, Kastle Hall.

In addition to the film and events, Kientz will teach a two-credit experiential learning course, A&S 100-063, which is open to all UK students, from Feb. 21-May 4.

After reaching the full class capacity and turning students away last semester, Kientz looks forward to teaching the course again this spring. "This way we can ensure that a large number of students are exposed to their wisdom and also rewarded for their attendance and attention by earning credit," said Kientz.

Jomo Xulu will be the first guest speaker of the spring semester. Xulu will talk about his experience as an anti-apartheid activist and a youth in the African National Congress. He will speak at 4:30 p.m. Monday, Feb. 28 in Room 213, Kastle Hall.

After his lecture, the Umdabu South African Dance Company will perform Xulu's current show about Zulu culture and heritage. The performance will be at 7 p.m.  Monday, Feb. 28 in Memorial Hall.

Other visitors and participants during the SAI include Richard Lapchick, the American leader of the U.S. campaign to boycott South Africa in sport; Karen Mingst, an international relations specialist and professor of political science at UK; Raison Naidoo, the Director of Art Collections at the Iziko Museums of Cape Town; "Letters from Robben Island" editor Bob Vassen; and Ikenna Uzuebugnam, a professor in the Gatton College of Business and Economics.

In addition to Kientz's A&S 100 class, leading South African historian and sports figure Andre Odendaal is teaching "Sport and Society: Historical Perspectives on South Africa from the Earliest Times to the Present; and Jennifer Goodlander will lead a Black Theater Workshop class that culminates with a play during the World Theater Festival.

In mid-April, UK will welcome Ahmed Kathrada and Barbara Hogan to campus as honored guests. Kathrada (Kathy) was one of 10 (including Mandela) involved in the Rivonia Trial, which led to life imprisonment with hard labor. Kathrada spent more than 26 years in prison, until he was released in 1989. Kathrada held various roles in the new South African government, including Parliament and President Mandela's Parliamentary Counselor. He also served as chairperson of the Robben Island Museum Council.

Hogan is the Minister of Public Enterprise and former Minister of Health of South Africa. The former political activist in the anti-apartheid movement is most well known for leading South African efforts to fight AIDS and advocate for HIV/AIDS prevention. In 2009, "Time" Magazine named her one of the 100 most influential people in the world.

With all of the supplementary activities being offered on campus, A&S will be awarding a Program in International Understanding for undergraduate students. Students who attend 10 of the South African and Kentucky activities will receive a certificate for their resume and be eligible for a scholarship for the education abroad trip to Cape Town in Summer 2011.

For more information on the South Africa Initiative, please contact Kientz at llki222@uky.edu or visit www.southafrica.as.uky.edu.