Pretoria - Renowned African scholar Ali Mazrui, who recently passed away, had an unwavering commitment to use his scholarship and insights for the development of the African continent, said Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
“Indeed, Mazrui was a unique scholar and intellectual in post-colonial African politics, more in the mould of revolutionary modernizer of globalization than embracing developments without critical thoughts.
“He was unwavering in his commitment to use his scholarship, knowledge and insights for the development of Africa and her people,” said the Minister.
Mazrui died on Monday at the age of 81. The Kenyan academic is regarded as one of Africa's foremost intellectuals
Minister Mthethwa conveyed condolences to Mazrui’s family, the academic fraternity and all critical thinkers who derive their inspiration from the towering African thinker and philosopher.
“His spirit will live among us as we move forward with the African Agenda 2063. Professor Mazrui was one of the most authentic, brilliant, wise and analytical voices to emerge from the African continent in the post-colonial period,” said the Minister.
The professor first ignited the South African nation to think about the complex issue of national identity and fusion of Western and African heritage in the continent through his television series, The Africans, in the late 1980s, that provoked a lot of discussion and debate in the country.
The subject matter of his writings ranged from politics, sociology, philosophy, languages, literature, history, heritage, religion, spirituality and demanded that people from all walks of life participate and contribute to discourse and dialogue. - SAnews.gov.za
