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Friday, 21 August 2009 15:08 |
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Contribute to a dynamic academic department as LECTURER from January 2010 or as soon as possible thereafter. Candidates must have at least a PhD in History (or a PhD close to completion), together with expertise in post-colonial African history. Proven teaching experience at tertiary level is essential, as is a credible publication record or the ability to conduct research. The ability to supervise postgraduates will be an advantage. It is essential that prospective candidates read the further particulars relating to this post, which can be found, together with the application form, at http://www.ru.ac.za/jobs, or by telephoning 046 603 8004/8115. Completed applications, accompanied by a substantial letter of motivation, a curriculum vitae and copies of certificates, should be received by the Recruitment & Selection Section, Rhodes University, P O Box 94, Grahamstown, 6140 or
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by 11 September 2009.
Recognising that diversity is important in achieving excellence, Rhodes University especially encourages South African members of designated groups to apply. |
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Friday, 21 August 2009 15:06 |
By: Professor Ackson M. Kanduza, University of Botswana and SAHS EXCO member
Originally posted on H-SAfrica 18 August 2009
It is with great sadness to inform historians of Africa and scholars of African studies about the early death of a reknown African intellectual, Prof. Balam Nyeko, on Sunday 16 August 2009. He died in a private hospital in Nelspruit, South Africa. He was a professor of History at the University of Swaziland for several years. He had taught at the National University of Lesotho before joining the University of Swaziland. From 1977 to 1972 Prof. Nyeko taught at the University of Zambia.
An outstanding undergraduate student in the late 1960s and an engaging graduate of Makerere University in the mid 1970s, he became one of the leading scholars of Southern African political, social and economic history. He studied African history from African institutions. However, he held several visiting fellowships to universities in the United Kingdom and the Unites States of America. This is among those special achievements of Prof. Nyeko who worked as an expatriate in institutions which reserved visiting fellowships for local scholars. He became both a citizen of Southern Africa and of the region's leading scholars. Having completed a doctoral thesis on Swazilan in 1977 for the University of Makerere, he became the autoritative bibiographer and historiagrapher on Swaziland. He related Southern African historiographies to those on the whole African continental with outstanding comprehension. Clarity of expression and thought; and his organising skills inspired many undergraduate and graduate students. His simple life style and frank expression and attitude endeared Prof. Nyeko to many who sought opportunity in the African academy.
Balam Nyeko was born in Guru District in Uganda on 23 May 1944. He is survived by his devoted wife, Janet Nyeko. Janet was an intellectual complement whom Balam was proud of. Balam is also survived with five children (two daughters and three sons) and four grandchildren. He will be buried at his home village, Lalogi, Guru District in Uganda. |
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Friday, 14 August 2009 10:54 |
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Professor M.C.E. (Tienie) van Schoor, well-known historian and versatile writer of numerous works on different aspects of South African history, died on Saturday 25 July in his home at Kleinmond, at the age of 88 years and 8 months. After his retirement from academic life in 1985, he settled in Betty’s Bay, before he moved a few years ago to Kleinmond because of poor health. As a student at the then Free State University College from 1938, Tienie applied himself to the subject of history and by 1946 was able to place an MA degree behind his name. In the meantime, he also qualified as a teacher and in 1947 obtained the MEd degree through external study through the University of South Africa. In 1962, he obtained his doctoral degree under the supervision of his ‘main mentor’, Professor D.W. Krüger, at the University of Potchefstroom for Christian Higher Education. In his early career, up to 1956, he worked as a part-time assistant at the SABC, assistant archivist at the Orange Free State Archives, and a teacher at the Central High School, Bloemfontein. Prof Tienie (as he was known in academic circles as well as in the publishing industry and among all those known to him) was attached to the Department of History at the University of the Orange Free State for thirty years (1956–1985), and was head of that department from 1977 until his retirement. He was also the initiator of the erstwhile Political Archive at the University in 1964, which was transformed into the Institute for Contemporary History under his initiative and guidance in 1971. |
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Tuesday, 07 July 2009 08:56 |
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The Southern African Historical Society biennial meeting displayed dynamism, renewed energy, and increasing interest in digital initiatives. Scholarly society meetings have a routine. Even without looking at the program, you know what to expect. The attractions of camaraderie, connection with colleagues, and a smattering of provocative new papers outweigh the formality of panels and predictable plenary sessions. Last week’s biennial meeting of the SAHS defied old stereotypes and exceeded conventional expectations. The constellation of individuals, institutional presence, and publications showcased innovative scholarship, new initiatives, provocative thinking, and commitment to making historical research relevant in both public and academic contexts. Formal remarks and casual conversations emphasized the symbolic and practical importance of renaming the group the Southern African Historical Society, signaling ongoing attempts to re-situate South Africa in the region—and by implication in the wider world. The meeting, hosted by UNISA in Pretoria, ended a week ago, and my agenda since then has been crammed with new research, lots of meetings, and learning to navigate Johannesburg. And yet, I’m still thinking about this meeting, and how inspirational it was. I was motivated by coming into contact with energy, dynamism and renewed commitment to studying a wide range of issues that illuminate the Southern African past. Although I encountered familiar faces, this was not the SAHS meeting of years past. There were many new participants: post-graduate students working at honors, masters, and PhD levels in Southern Africa, the UK, and the US. There were also presenters from Zimbabwe, Botswana, the UK, Canada, and the US, as well as more South Africans of color—students and faculty—than I remember from previous years. Read the full article by Laura Mitchell at http://makinghistorypodcast.com/2009/07/03/sahs/ |
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