The Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation will host the 3rd Annual Lawrence Phokanoka Lecture on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at the University of Limpopo (Turfloop Campus), bringing together leaders from government, academia, the liberation movement, labour, civil society, business and the broader community to reflect on South Africa’s developmental trajectory and the leadership imperatives required to navigate an increasingly uncertain global environment.
The annual lecture honours the life and legacy of Lawrence Phokanoka, one of South Africa’s distinguished freedom fighters, political activists and former Robben Island prisoners. Throughout his life, Lawrence Phokanoka demonstrated an unwavering commitment to justice, equality, human dignity and the advancement of his people. As a liberation struggle veteran, he belonged to a generation of leaders who sacrificed their freedom in pursuit of a democratic South Africa. Beyond his contribution to the struggle against apartheid, he remained deeply committed to community development, education, nation-building and the cultivation of ethical leadership.
The Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation was establishedto preserve, promote and advance these values by transforming his legacy into a living instrument for social transformation and development. The Foundation focuses on promoting ethical leadership, strengthening research and intellectual development, encouraging the uptake of Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) subjects in schools, supporting youth empowerment, advancing rural development, fostering social cohesion, preserving liberation heritage and cultivating a new generation of socially conscious leaders committed to building a prosperous and inclusive South Africa.
Over the past three years, the annual lecture has emerged as an important platform for intellectual engagement and national dialogue. The inaugural lecture was delivered by former President of South Africa, Kgalema Motlanthe, who shared a unique historical bond with Lawrence Phokanoka as a fellow political prisoner on Robben Island. His lecture reflected on the enduring values of principled leadership, sacrifice, accountability and the responsibilities of democratic governance.
The second annual lecture was delivered by Joel Netshitenzhe, an ANC veteran, renowned political thinker and Executive Director of the Mapungubwe Institute for Strategic Reflection. His address stimulated important conversations on South Africa’s development path, institutional renewal and the strategic challenges facing the nation.
This year’s keynote address will be delivered by Dr Snuki Zikalala under the theme:
“Pursuing Our National Interests in a Volatile and Complex Geopolitical Environment”
The theme is particularly timely given the profound shifts taking place within the global political and economic order. The world is witnessing heightened geopolitical tensions, intensifying competition among major powers, ongoing conflicts in various regions, disruptions to global supply chains, climate-related challenges, technological transformation and growing uncertainty within international institutions. These developments present both opportunities and risks for developing countries, including South Africa.
Dr Zikalala’s lecture is expected to interrogate how South Africa can effectively position itself within this rapidly changing global landscape while safeguarding its sovereignty, developmental priorities and national interests. The address will explore the strategic choices confronting South Africa as it seeks to balance its international relations, strengthen economic resilience, promote regional integration and advance Africa’s interests within an increasingly multipolar world.
The lecture is also expected to reflect on the role of leadership, diplomacy, economic transformation, technological innovation and social cohesion in ensuring that South Africa remains responsive to emerging global realities while remaining faithful to the values that informed its democratic transition. Particular attention will be paid to the importance of developing local capabilities in research, science, innovation and human capital as key pillars for achieving sustainable national development and competitiveness.
In keeping with the vision of the Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation, the lecture seeks to bridge historical experience with contemporary challenges by creating a platform where scholars, policymakers, community leaders, students and ordinary citizens can engage critically with issues affecting the future of South Africa and the African continent. It is through such dialogue that the Foundation seeks to contribute to the development of informed citizens, capable leaders and innovative solutions to the challenges of our time.
The programme will include welcome remarks by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Limpopo, Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele; messages of support from alliance partners and veterans’ formations; an address by the Foundation’s Patron, Mavuso Msimang; a presentation on the progress made by the Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation; the keynote lecture by Dr Snuki Zikalala; and reflections from members of the Phokanoka family and Foundation leadership.
Representatives of the African National Congress (ANC), the South African Communist Party (SACP), the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU), the ANC Veterans League (ANCVL), government institutions, traditional leadership structures, universities, research institutions, youth formations and civil society organisations are expected to attend.
As South Africa continues to grapple with economic challenges, social inequalities, global uncertainties and the quest for inclusive development, the 3rd Annual Lawrence Phokanoka Lecture promises to provide valuable insights into how the country can define, protect and advance its national interests while contributing to peace, development and cooperation on the African continent and globally.
Event Details
Event: 3rd Annual Lawrence Phokanoka Lecture
Theme: Pursuing Our National Interests in a Volatile and Complex Geopolitical Environment
Date: Sunday, 26 July 2026
Time: 10h00 – 16h30
Venue: University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Limpopo
Keynote Speaker: Dr Snuki Zikalala
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Issued by:
Leboho Alfred Rachidi
Chairperson
Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation
Mobile: +27 (60) 537-1850
eMail: nrachidi@phokanokafoundation.org
Website: www.phokanokafoundation.org
Media Enquiries:
Saul Molobi
Trustee: Marketing, Communications and Stakeholder Relations
Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation
Tel: 011 759 4297
Mobile: 083 635 7773
eMail: skmolobi@phokanokafoundation.org
Website: www.phokanokafoundation.org