A sharp mind and a spirit of humility
- Wits University
A bold academic who is not afraid to get dirty - this is how young minds and ambassadors describe Prof. Achille Mbembe.
The Faculty of Humanities hosted an event to celebrate the legacy and contribution of historian, philosopher, political scientist, and public intellectual Prof. Mbembe. The Wits event on 22 October 2024 follows his awarding of the Holberg Prize - one of the highest international recognitions for scholarly excellence in humanities. This prize was awarded for the first time to an African and Mbembe is a fitting recipient.
Mbembe is a revered academic with much written about him, and the event featuring ambassadors and former students, among others, gave a glimpse into the man behind one of the most cited scholars of our time.
A far reaching impact
Norway’s Ambassador, Gjermund Saether, attested to Mbembe’s influence praising him for his boldness and laudable traits.
“You are ready to get your fingers dirty, that is what’s so remarkable. So many academics tend to prefer to do the analytical part, but society needs more than ever academics who engage,” said Saether whose country is the home of the Holberg Prize.
Democracy needs more academics of Mbembe’s quality, said Saether.
Ambassador of France, David Martinon, revealed that in preparation for his post in South Africa, he too read Mbembe’s work including a report submitted to France’s President Emmanuel Macron proposing 13 recommendations to recast an equitable relationship between African countries and France. This report resulted in the creation of the Innovation Foundation for Democracy.
On a lighter note, it was revealed that Mbembe was a brilliant footballer in his younger days and can still be found on Saturdays playing at one of the Johannesburg parks, from time to time. More on this.
Wits Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Zeblon Vilakazi, described Mbembe as “one of the most brilliant minds of our generation”.
In addition to inspiring countless students and scholars across the globe, his “legacy has reminded us that the pursuit of knowledge is not just an intellectual exercise but a moral obligation—a commitment to seek out justice, to confront uncomfortable truths, and to imagine better futures,” said Vilakazi.
The panel featuring former and current PhD students dissected his legacy, confirm and adding to what the world knows. This valuable discussion manifested a supervisor par excellence in Prof. Mbembe and a caring human being.
In a moving closing, a deeply moved Mbembe conveyed his gratitude to friends, colleagues and family for the surprise event and support throughout his career spanning four decades.
“I am very happy to be here at Wits University. I am blessed to have spent in South Africa, the best years of my life. I don’t think I would have done the little that I have done had I not been here. I have been the recipient of a form of radical openness and unconditional hospitality in a university, worthy of that name should exhibit. My prayer for Wits University and universities in South Africa to continue living up to that promise (academic values).”
“What I admire most about Prof. Mbembe is how he balances his intellectual rigorousness with humility and generosity. His mentorship of young scholars is a reminder that true excellence isn’t just about personal achievement – it’s about lifting others up,” said Prof. Mucha Musemwa, Dean of the Faculty of Humanities.
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Achille Mbembe - Professor at The European Graduate School / EGS