Zakes Mda visits FoAD

Professor Zakes Mda.


Ahead of his much publicised seminar, Unsilencing an Occluded Cultural and Historical Heritage, renowned South African novelist, poet and playwright, Professor Zanemvula Mda, famously known as Zakes Mda held an interactive session with Faculty of Arts and Design (FoAD) students.

Mda’s visit to the Faculty of Arts and Design was part of his public lecture organised by the Durban University of Technology’s Writing Centre in an effort to inculcate the culture of reading and writing outside disciplines. It was also part of the 2018 Creative Writing Competition, which is a student development initiative for all DUT students with a passion for creative writing.

The two-hour session took place at City Campus’ iconic Arthur Smith Hall and was attended by Drama, Video Technology, Journalism and English for the Arts students.
During his welcome address, FoAD’s Deputy Dean, Professor Brian Pearce said it was an honour for the faculty to host the award winning writer.

“Professor Mda’s work has of course been studied in our faculty, particularly by the Drama department. Monologues for his plays has been used for assessments and examinations,” said Pearce. 
While addressing his excited attendees, Mda expressed his delight at seeing students eager to engage with him. 

“I am actually very happy to be talking with my colleagues here but I have no intension of giving a lecture here today, I want to talk about what you guys want to talk about,” he said humorously.  
City Campus Writing Centre Manager, Andrea Alcock said because of Mda’s commitment to the artistic world and the world of writing, FoAD students particularly relate to his work.

“Professor Mda committed to his artistic calling many years ago and we are sure his life story, his literary and academic work and his reflections will resonate with our students,” said Andrea.
As the Writing Centre and a faculty we believe that our stories need to be told, who better than acclaimed author Zakes Mda, She added.

-NASIPHI GIGABA

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