The Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation, in strategic partnership with the University of Limpopo and the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture, will host the 3rd Annual Lawrence Phokanoka Lecture on Sunday, 26 July 2026, at the University of Limpopo’s Turfloop Campus.
The partnership brings together three institutions united by a common commitment to preserving South Africa’s liberation heritage, promoting intellectual discourse, advancing research and leadership development, and inspiring future generations through education and public dialogue. The Foundation has welcomed the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture as a strategic partner in the annual lecture, further strengthening government support for programmes that celebrate liberation history while investing in the country’s future intellectual and developmental capacity.
The annual lecture will bring 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 Madimetja 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 established to 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 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, 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, veteran broadcaster and President of the African National Congress Veterans’ League, 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 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, directed by Saul Molobi, will commence at 10h00 with the singing of the Internationale and the National Anthem, setting a dignified and reflective tone for a day dedicated to honouring the life, values and enduring legacy of Lawrence Masego Phokanoka.
Guests will then be officially welcomed by the Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Limpopo, Dr Jeffrey Mabelebele, whose remarks will underscore the University’s commitment to advancing intellectual engagement, leadership development and preserving South Africa’s liberation heritage through its strategic partnership with the Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation and the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture.
This will be followed by the Acknowledgement of Guests by Dr Kgaphola NP, who will recognise the distinguished leaders from government, academia, liberation movements, organised labour, diplomatic missions, traditional leadership, civil society, business and the Phokanoka family in attendance.
The programme will then move into a session of Messages of Support, reflecting the broad coalition of organisations that continue to uphold the ideals for which Lawrence Phokanoka dedicated his life. Messages will be delivered by Cde Phiroane Phala, representing the ANC Veterans’ League Limpopo Provincial Executive Committee; Cde Jacob Rapholo of the uMkhonto weSizwe Liberation War Veterans (MKLWV) Limpopo Interim Committee; Cde Solly Phetoe, General Secretary of COSATU; Cde Madala Masuku, First Deputy General Secretary of the South African Communist Party; and a representative of the African National Congress National Executive Committee.
The session will also include goodwill messages from the MEC for Sport, Arts and Culture in Limpopo, Mr Funani Jerry Maseko, representing the provincial government and the Department as a strategic partner of the lecture in underscoring the provincial government’s commitment to preserving liberation heritage, promoting social cohesion and supporting initiatives that develop ethical leadership and active citizenship; President Mlungisi Makhanya of PUDEMO (People’s United Democratic Movement of Eswatini), highlighting the regional dimensions of solidarity and liberation; and Elder George Mashamba, who will offer reflections rooted in community leadership and the enduring values championed by Lawrence Phokanoka.
The Foundation’s Patron, Cde Dr Mavuso Msimang, will then deliver his address, reflecting on Lawrence Phokanoka’s contribution to the liberation struggle, ethical leadership and nation-building. Dr Msimang will also formally introduce and present the keynote speaker.
Following the keynote lecture, Ms Lentsoane MI, representing the Phokanoka family, will convey words of appreciation on behalf of the family, expressing gratitude to the keynote speaker, partners, supporters and all participants for ensuring that Lawrence Phokanoka’s legacy continues to inspire future generations.
Dr Annette Griessel will then make the day’s announcements, including acknowledgements, forthcoming Foundation programmes and logistical arrangements.
The proceedings will conclude with a Closing Address and Way Forward by the Chairperson of the Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation, Mr Ngoato Rachidi, who will reflect on the key outcomes of the lecture, reaffirm the Foundation’s commitment to research, education, STEM promotion, rural development and ethical leadership, and outline future initiatives aimed at advancing Lawrence Phokanoka’s vision of an inclusive, democratic and prosperous South Africa.
The Foundation believes that the collaboration with the University of Limpopo and the Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture reflects a shared vision of preserving the province’s rich liberation heritage while investing in research, education, innovation and leadership development. Together, the three institutions aim to establish the Lawrence Phokanoka Annual Lecture as one of South Africa’s premier intellectual platforms for debating issues of national importance and shaping policy conversations that contribute to inclusive growth, democratic governance and Africa’s development.
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.
This hybrid event will be hosted at the University of Limpopo’s Turfloop Campus and broadcast live across the University’s official social media platforms, enabling audiences from South Africa, across the African continent and around the world to participate virtually in this important national conversation on South Africa’s strategic interests in an increasingly complex geopolitical environment.
Event Details
Event: 3rd Annual Lawrence Phokanoka Lecture
Theme: Pursuing Our National Interests in a Volatile and Complex Geopolitical Environment
Keynote Speaker: Dr Snuki Zikalala
Date: Sunday, 26 July 2026
Time: 10h00 – 16h30
Venue: University of Limpopo, Turfloop Campus, Limpopo
Strategic Partners: Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation, University of Limpopo and Limpopo Department of Sport, Arts and Culture
For more information, please speak to Lehoho Alfred Rachidi, Chairperson of the Lawrence Phokanoka Foundation, on eMail: nrachidi@phokanokafoundation.org