Smart humour takes centre stage: Using wit to tackle social justice
- Wits University
Chester Missing and Conrad Koch headline WiCDS 10th Annual Conference on social justice through humour.
In celebration of the Wits Centre for Diversity Studies (WiCDS) 10th Annual Conference on Irreverence, Ridicule and the Risqué: Humour and (De)(Pro)moting Social Justice, ventriloquist and comedian Conrad Koch, along with his irrepressible puppet Chester Missing, delivered a performance addressing key issues in South African society. The event, which ran from 15 to 17 October 2024, explored humour’s potential to challenge societal norms and promote social justice.
Chester Missing, known for his sharp and satirical critiques, used humour to dissect complex topics such as colonialism, apartheid, racism, and unequal power dynamics. Koch’s mastery of ventriloquism, coupled with Chester Missing’s biting social commentary, created a captivating atmosphere, striking a balance between comedy and critical reflection.
Following the performance, Koch sat down with WiCDS Director and DST-NRF South African Research Chair in Critical Diversity Studies, Professor Melissa Steyn, for a candid discussion. Koch addressed the challenges of using comedy to tackle sensitive issues, openly expressing his doubts about humour’s capacity to drive real social change. “We need systemic economic redistribution to truly begin undoing the harm caused by colonialism and apartheid,” Koch emphasised, noting that while humour can expose power structures, it alone is insufficient for achieving substantial justice.
Koch’s reflections were informed not only by his comedic experience but also by his academic background in anthropology, which adds depth to his understanding of societal dynamics. This was the first time Wits alumnus Koch participated in such a critically reflective dialogue, making the event an evocative exploration of the intersection between humour and social justice.
Jamie Martin, an officer at WiCDS and part of the conference’s organising team, shared insights on the motivation behind inviting Koch. “From the outset, we wanted to feature a comedian because of the unique way humour can engage with difficult topics. Conrad Koch was an ideal choice, not just for his comedic talent but for the way he uses satire to speak truth to power,” Martin said. “His approach encourages deep reflection on the role humour plays in resisting societal norms and advancing justice.”
The event highlighted the dual nature of humour—its ability to both reinforce and resist dominant narratives—and underscored the ongoing importance of dialogue on the intersection between comedy and social justice.
As WiCDS continues to push boundaries in critical diversity studies, this year's conference served as a reminder of the potential for art and humour to spark meaningful conversations about societal change.