Pasts and Presents of Student Protests: Comparing Southern Africa and Switzerland

Namibian and Southern African Studies Research Colloquium

Since October 2023, students around the world have occupied university campuses in protest against the war in Gaza, military escalation, and gross human rights violations in Gaza, the West Bank and Israel. In our colloquium we place these protests and the responses to them within the university, in the media and across various public spheres (politics, international courts, international organisations) in critical comparison with Southern African histories of student protests throughout the 20^th and 21^st centuries. We will discuss examples that include anti-apartheid struggles, the significance of Palestine for Africa focused solidarity groups, the Rhodes Must Fall and Fees Must Fall student movements, and student protests at the University of Basel and other Swiss universities.

The Research Colloquium provides a forum for local and international scholars to engage in crossdisciplinary and methodological debates in Southern African Studies, with particular reference to Namibian Studies. Guests are welcome.

Jointly organised by the University of Namibia, the University of Basel and the Basler Afrika Bibliographien.

Note: The events are from 18.15h to 20.15 (CH & NAM time), followed by an apéro at the BAB. From October 27th onwards, NAM time is 19.15h to 21.15h.

Contact for registration and Zoom link:julia.rensing@clutterunibas.ch and makawa@clutterunam.na

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