In commemoration of Africa Day, Unisa’s North-Eastern Region, in collaboration with Unisa Library and Information Services (LIS) and the Department of Music and Art, hosted an exhibition celebrating African literary heritage, indigenous knowledge systems and artistic expression at the Mobile Library Museum on the Polokwane Campus on 25 May 2026.

Held under the theme "Celebrating African Identity, Heritage and Indigenous Knowledge through Literature, Music and Art", the event brought together students, academics, artists and literature enthusiasts to reflect on the richness of African cultures and the enduring legacy of African writers and intellectuals.

The programme commenced with a welcome address by Dr Lesiba Molepo, Acting Director of the North-Eastern Region, who highlighted the significance of Africa Day as an opportunity to celebrate African identity, heritage and creativity. He emphasised the importance of preserving African knowledge systems and creating platforms that ensure African voices continue to be heard and appreciated by future generations.

A key highlight of the exhibition was the celebration of the literary contributions of Es'kia Mphahlele and OK Matsepe, whose works are a lasting contribution to South African literature and African scholarship. Through curated displays of books, biographies and literary works, visitors were afforded an opportunity to engage with the lives, ideas and legacies of these literary pioneers.

The Mobile Library Museum provided a fitting setting for the exhibition, serving as a unique heritage space where literature, history and culture intersect. The exhibition encouraged attendees to reflect on the role of African writers in preserving indigenous knowledge, promoting African languages and documenting the experiences of African communities.

Delivering the keynote address, Dr Tlou Setumu, founder of Makgabeng Heritage Research and Publishing, reflected on the significance of African identity and the need to preserve indigenous languages and knowledge systems. He challenged participants to critically examine the role of language, culture and heritage in shaping African societies and encouraged greater appreciation of African-centred scholarship and cultural production.

The programme also featured artistic and cultural performances that demonstrated the interconnectedness of literature, music and visual art in preserving Africa's collective memory. These performances reinforced the importance of creative expression as a vehicle for education, cultural preservation and social cohesion.

Speaking on behalf of the Student Representative Council, Education and Training Officer Thato Phala underscored the importance of decolonising higher education and ensuring that African knowledge systems, languages and histories remain visible within academic institutions. He encouraged students to embrace their cultural identities while advancing knowledge and scholarship.

The exhibition demonstrated the critical role of libraries, museums and cultural institutions in safeguarding African heritage for future generations. By bringing together literature, art and music within the Mobile Library Museum, the event created a meaningful platform for dialogue, learning and cultural appreciation.

The Africa Day commemoration reaffirmed Unisa's commitment to advancing African scholarship, promoting indigenous knowledge systems and celebrating the contributions of African writers and artists. It also highlighted the growing significance of the Mobile Library Museum as a heritage space that preserves stories, inspires learning and strengthens connections between communities and their cultural heritage.

* By Itumeleng Mpete, Marketing Coordinator, Library and Information Services