EAST LONDON- The University of Fort Hare (UFH) under the faculty of Management and Commerce hosted the 8th annual Archbishop Thabo Makgoba lecture in Miriam Makeba Hall on 19 August 2025.
The lecture series aims to spark conversations on leadership and local economic development, emphasizing education, skills and entrepreneurial growth opportunities.
The event featured UFH Vice Chancellor Professor Sakhela Buhlungu, who discussed the university’s contributions to local development in East London. He also highlighted the negative impact of fraud and corruption on the town, noting how money intended to enrich and empower people is often taken by those who are not supposed to benefit from it.
Award-winning entrepreneur and Executive Director of the Border Kei Chamber of Business Lizelle Maurice, was the guest speaker. Her talk, ‘The Role of Effective Collaboration in the Development of Local Economies & Thriving Communities,’ emphasized the importance of partnerships and leadership in driving real change in communities.
“We need to partner with institutions like Fort Hare to change the landscape for our future leaders and generation,” Maurice said. She added, “We can also be the drivers to a thriving economy through partnership and by doing so, we can get rid of poverty.”
In addition Archbishop Thabo Makgoba emphasized the importance of effective and ethical collaboration in local development, highlighting the need for relationship building and collective effort to achieve sustainable growth. He quoted an African proverb, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone, if you want to go far, go together,’emphasizing the need for collective effort to ensure economic development and thriving communities.
Archbishop had this to say in his speech,” The 2030 agenda for sustainable development provides a shared blueprint for peace and prosperity. The 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) require a holistic and integrated approach to achieve sustainable development. Partnerships and collaboration are crucial for achieving the SDGs and driving real change in communities,” he said.
The event also featured an essay competition award ceremony, where students were recognised in their writings on leadership in local development.
The 8th Annual Archbishop Thabo Makgoba Lecture served as a call to action for stakeholders to work together towards a brighter future for local economies and communities. By fostering effective collaboration, communities can drive real change and achieve sustainable growth.
Photograph: UFH/Supplied
