Prof Barney Pitjana hails Turfloop as the cradle of Black Consciousness at UL’s 65th Anniversary, honouring Onkgopotse Tiro’s legacy

Retired academic, Professor Barney Pitjana, reflects on Turfloop’s pivotal role in the fight for freedom during UL’s 65th anniversary celebration

By Reuben Maake   |  reuben.maake@ul.ac.za

A prominent figure in the liberation struggle, retired academic Professor Barney Pitjana argues that the University of Limpopo (UL), formerly the University of the North, should be recognised as the cradle of Black Consciousness for its pivotal role in advancing the emancipation of Black people during apartheid

 

Prof Pitjana made these remarks during the 10th Onkgopotse Tiro Memorial Lecture, titled ‘South Africa’s Best Gift to Tiro: 50 Years On’, held as part of the University’s 65th anniversary celebrations in honour of the slain activist.

 

In his address, Prof Pitjana paid tribute to Onkgopotse Tiro, commending his brave stance and unwavering advocacy for Black liberation. He stressed that early student organisations, such as the South African Students’ Organisation (SASO) and the Black Consciousness Movement (BCM), were birthed at Turfloop, UL’s main campus, fuelling Tiro’s mission to confront the apartheid regime.

 

“This is where it all began,” Prof Pitjana declared. “Tiro delivered his iconic graduation speech here, which led to his expulsion and ultimately his assassination. Through that speech, he ignited a flame of intellectual resistance, inspiring leaders to pursue liberation.”

He traced the historical roots of these movements, noting that students from universities established under the Separate Institutions Act converged at Turfloop, where the inaugural SASO conference took place, shaping South Africa’s future.

Prof Pitjana urged that Black Consciousness, as espoused by Tiro, transcends race. “To be Black is not just about skin colour. The regime failed to grasp the essence of being young, Black, and gifted. Black Consciousness sought to dismantle the culture of invisibility and eradicate the psychology of fear. As Tiro proclaimed, ‘fear is not in our vocabulary.’”

Amid applause, Prof Pitjana affirmed: “What we’ve seen today proves that Turfloop should indeed be recognised as the cradle of Black Consciousness.”

He called on the University to continue fostering an environment that encourages critical thinking and confronts contemporary issues, echoing Tiro’s legacy of boldness.

Dignitaries in attendance included Dr Mosibudi Mangena, founding president of AZAPO, and Letepe Maisela, both contemporaries of Tiro, along with family members. Mookami Tiro, Onkgopotse’s brother, shared: “The University couldn’t have given us a better gift than to keep Tiro’s legacy alive 50 years after his assassination.”

 

“This lecture is a source of motivation to others, and for us as a family, it’s a source of comfort. To us, Tiro was a brother, son, and uncle; to the nation, he was a teacher and leader. The greatest gift you can give us is to preserve his legacy,” Mookami Tiro poignantly appealed.

In addition to naming a graduation hall and male residence after the late activist, UL honoured Tiro’s memory through a stage play performed by its students, depicting his life and struggles.

Prof Mahlo Mokgalong, UL’s Vice-Chancellor and Principal, echoed Prof  Pitjana’s sentiments, asserting that, unlike in the apartheid era, students today have no reason to fear expressing their views. “As an institution, we will always encourage debate. Let’s remember all the powerful things Tiro said on his graduation day. This lecture is a recognition of the sacrifices he made and the price he was willing to pay.”

This year marks the 50th anniversary of Onkgopotse Tiro’s assassination by a letter bomb in Botswana while he was in exile. For a decade, UL has preserved Tiro’s legacy through annual memorial lectures, with this year marking the 10th anniversary of the commemorative series.