University of the Free State Vice-Chancellor Jonathan Jansen delivered the Neil Aggett memorial lecture to a Kingswood College chapel filled to capacity with honourable guests, pupils and staff to celebrate the late social activist.
University of the Free State Vice-Chancellor Jonathan Jansen delivered the Neil Aggett memorial lecture to a Kingswood College chapel filled to capacity with honourable guests, pupils and staff to celebrate the late social activist.
The theme of the 9th annual memorial lecture Tuesday 23 September was "Social injustice".
The academic and renowned columnist identified six characteristics that made Aggett's legacy and urged those present, especially young people, to forge a path for themselves that will make them unique leaders of their generation.
"I challenge young leaders to map out a path of uncommon leadership in South Africa," he said, calling Aggett an uncommon leader.
"Neil Aggett was white, qualified and young. He had a life of privilege that he could've chosen, yet he chose another way," Jansen said before outlining the consequences of his decision to fight for justice.
The doctor and trade union activist was found dead in his cell in 1982.
Jansen outlined the six traits of an uncommon leader as:
- one who thinks outside of the colour of his/her skin
- knows the difference between right and wrong
- always sees the bigger picture
- seeks ways that are without extremes to handle situations
- changes difficult situations even when it doesn't look possible
- should not judge based on physical appearance
"Leaders judge people on the content of their character and nothing else," he said.
The lecture concluded on a high note when the Neil Aggett award was presented to Ashleigh Purdon, who was described as a selfless learner who shows leadership through her involvement in community engagement projects.
Diane Hornby, speaking as chairperson of the Kingswood College Council, commended Aggett's legacy and outlined the college's vision.
Aggett was only 28 when he was found hanged in his cell, the first white person to die in detention since 1963.
