By Becker Semela:
In a moving three-day celebration filled with reflection, pride and inspiration, the University of the Free State (UFS) honoured Professor Robert R. Edgar, an American scholar whose lifelong work and solidarity contributed immensely to South Africa’s liberation story.
The event, held from 16 to 18 October at the Naval Hill Planetorium in Bloemfontein, brought together intellectuals, veterans of the liberation struggle and friends of Africa from across the world.
For UFS, this was more than an academic event; it was a moment to celebrate the power of knowledge, compassion and activism. For South Africa, it was a reminder that its journey to democracy was supported not only by local heroes but also by international allies like Prof. Edgar, who stood up against injustice even when it was dangerous to do so.
Global academics demonstrate respect for Prof. Edgar
The ceremony was attended by some of the world’s most respected scholars and activists. Among them were Prof. Robert Trent Vinson (University of Virginia), Prof. Krista Johnson (Howard University), Prof. Nancy Clark (Louisiana State University), Prof. Xolelwa Mangcu (a South African academic at George Washington University), Prof. Benedict Carton (George Mason University), and Prof. Roland Ndille (University of Buea, Cameroon).
South African academics were also well represented, including Prof. Mogomme Masoga and Prof. Neo Lekgotla Laga Ramoupi from UFS, Prof. André Odendaal from the University of the Western Cape, and Prof. Noor Nieftagodien from Wits University, among others.
Their presence symbolised the global respect and admiration that Prof. Edgar commands not only for his scholarship but for his unwavering humanity.
A scholar who fought with a pen and his heart
When Prof. Edgar first came to South Africa in 1973, he was deeply disturbed by the brutality and injustice of apartheid. Instead of staying silent, he used his voice and academic work to expose and challenge the system.
Speaking at the ceremony, ANC struggle veteran Mathews Phosa, himself a key figure in the liberation movement, described Edgar as “a man of conscience who not only condemned apartheid from afar but offered shelter and solidarity to the exiled comrades.”
He lived the values he taught
Indeed, Prof. Edgar’s activism went beyond research and writing; he lived the values he taught. His home became a safe space for South African exiles who were fighting for freedom. He stood by them, offering comfort, advocacy and friendship.
“I could not stay quiet after seeing what apartheid was doing to innocent people. I knew that education must serve humanity, not oppression. Many unsung heroes were mentioned here today, and it is important for South Africans to know where they come from, to know their history,” he said.
His honour to unsung struggle heroes
True to his character, Prof. Edgar used this moment of his own recognition to shift the spotlight toward others, the many unnamed men and women who sacrificed everything for justice. He insisted that their names be read and remembered during the event.
“Robert Edgar is a man who believes that history must never forget those who were forgotten. By remembering the unsung heroes, he reminds us that freedom is not built by famous names alone, but by ordinary people doing extraordinary things,” said Masoga.
The event included moving tributes, musical performances, and panel discussions that revisited the untold stories of liberation from both South Africa and Lesotho. It was an educational and emotional journey that reminded all present that the fight against apartheid was not only political, it was also deeply human.
A legacy of learning and liberation
Over his long and distinguished career, Prof. Edgar has been a Professor Emeritus of African Studies and a Senior Fellow in History at Stellenbosch University. He has also taught at the University of Virginia, Georgetown University and the National University of Lesotho.
His groundbreaking research has shaped how the world understands South Africa’s social and political history. Some of his most influential works include:
- An Apocalypse: The Story of Nontetha Nkwenkwe (2000)
- The Making of an African Communist: Edwin Mofutsanyana and the Communist Party of South Africa, 1927–1993 (2006)
- The Finger of God: Enoch Mgijima, the Israelites, and the Bullhoek Massacre in South Africa (2018)
- Africa’s Cause Must Triumph: The Collected Writings of A.P. Mda (2018, co-authored with Luyanda Msumza)
- Josie Mpama: Get Up and Get Moving (2020)
He recognised the grassroots figures
Through these works, Edgar gave life to figures often left out of mainstream history, the grassroots visionaries, the prophets and the political pioneers whose courage shaped the destiny of a nation.
Edgar believes education must serve humanity and justice
Prof. Edgar’s message throughout the three-day honouring ceremony was clear: education must serve humanity and justice. His words resonated deeply with students and young scholars in attendance, many of whom saw in him a model of what it means to use one’s education for the greater good.
He said history is not just about dates and names, it is about people, pain, hope and resilience; therefore, it must be taught so that future generations understand what was fought for and what must never be repeated.
His humility and authenticity touched everyone. Even as the event celebrated his life and work, Edgar kept reminding those around him that he was part of a larger movement, one that continues to this day in the struggles against inequality and injustice everywhere.
An inspiration for future generations
The UFS ceremony was more than a tribute; it was a call to action for young people to carry the torch forward. Speakers emphasised the importance of critical thinking, empathy and courage, qualities that defined Prof. Edgar’s journey.
“His story reminds us that knowledge is powerful when combined with moral courage. Prof. Edgar’s life is proof that one person can make a difference, no matter where they come from,” said Prof. Vinson.
Mathews Phosa added, “We owe people like Prof Vinson and Robert Edgar a deep debt of gratitude. They fought for our freedom when they had nothing to gain. That’s true solidarity and that’s what South Africa must never forget.”
UFS celebrates history, building the future
The University of the Free State continues to position itself as a space that not only produces academic excellence but also celebrates the stories that shaped South Africa and the continent. By honouring Prof. Edgar, UFS reaffirmed its commitment to telling the full, inclusive story of Africa — one that recognises both local heroes and international allies.
Vice-Chancellor representatives noted that this recognition was also about bridging the past and present, showing students that history is alive and relevant. The event showcased how universities can play a powerful role in healing, learning, and uniting communities through truth and remembrance.
A lasting message
As the three-day event drew to a close, Prof. Edgar expressed his gratitude with characteristic humility. “I am deeply honoured, but more than that, I am happy to see people learning about the history of Southern Africa. That is the greatest gift that people remember,” he said
The audience rose in applause, acknowledging a man whose intellect and humanity have touched countless lives.
In celebrating Prof. Robert R. Edgar, the University of the Free State did more than honour a scholar; it celebrated the enduring power of truth, courage and compassion. His journey reminds South Africans and the world that the struggle for justice begins with the courage to care.
As the applause faded into the Bloemfontein night, one message lingered in every heart: ‘History belongs to those who remember and those who act.’ – @NewsSA _Online
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