UL celebrates struggle icon

The University of Limpopo (UL) commemorated the life of the late struggle icon, Josephine Segana Moshobane during a dedicated memorial lecture held at the University on Friday.
Moshobane was a student activist who stood up for a noble cause by dedicating her life to fight against the injustices imposed on black students at the then University of the North.
She died in 1986 at the youthful age of 24 while being incarcerated under inhumane conditions following her arrest in Botswana under Section 29 of the Internal Security Act of 1982.
With the memorial lecture, the university envisions to keep Moshobane’s legacy alive while educating the current generation of students about the history of the institution. The university also renamed one of the first-year female residences after her.
Executive Mayor of Polokwane, Thembi Nkadimeng who delivered the lecture reportedly described Moshobane as a fearless activist who defeated the heavily armed regime with empty hands.

“We need to ensure that the spirit of Moshobane is honoured in a dignified manner. This means we have to protect the oppressed and bring service delivery to the needy because this is the fight Moshobane stood for. The freedom that we are enjoying today was not free because she paid with her life.”
The eventful ceremony culminated an unveiling of a plaque at the entrance of the Moshobane residence at the University.
Mahlo Mokgalong, Vice-Chancellor and Principal at UL reportedly described Moshobane as an icon worthy of celebration. He also remarked that the current generation do not know what it was like to study under the apartheid regime, therefore they need to read more about that history.
“The university will be celebrating its 60th anniversary and Moshobane is one of the heroes who sacrificed so that we could be where we are today,” he stated.

Story: Herbert Rachuene
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