William Gumede and Leslie Dikeni have co-edited a book that’s as timely as it is astute in its observations. The Poverty of Ideas questions the apparent dirth of intellectuals in South Africa?
Prof Jonathan Jansen, in the news recently for his decision to allow the Reitz Four to return to the University of the Free-State, argues that intellectuals are often either intimidated or censured by government unless they toe the party line. Zukile Majova examines this argument in The Sowetan:
University of Free State vice-chancellor and principal Jonathan Jansen has blamed the ANC government for the withdrawal of university-based intellectuals from national dialogue.
Writing in the book Poverty of Ideas by William Gumede and Leslie Dikeni, Jansen says though the new rulers encourage debate, there have been notable incidents in which they have intimidated intellectuals who opposed their views.
The timely book comes in the era of public ridicule of intellectuals who are seen to be opposed to ill- informed decisions by the state.
Book details
Image courtesy Times Live
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