Staff Writer
The United Theological College is excited to announce the 2024 Annual Revd Professor Canaan Banana Memorial Lecture, set for 23 August 2024, at the Trinity Methodist Church in Harare.
The event will commence at 17:45 hours. This year, the lecture will feature the thought-provoking title, “Deconstructing and Reimagining Canaan Banana: Unravelling the Hedgehog of Social Engagement.” It promises to offer an in-depth analytical exploration of Reverend Professor Canaan Banana, a significant figure in African theology and education.
Born in Esiphezini, Essexvale District (now Esigodini in Matebeleland), Professor Banana was a student at the United Theological College from 1960 to 1962. He later became Zimbabwe’s first
post-independence president, serving from 1980 to 1987, and made lasting contributions to society that continue to resonate today.
The theme “Deconstructing” is indicative of a thorough analysis of Professor Banana‘s multifaceted legacy, while “Reimagining” calls for fresh interpretations of his influence on social engagement.
This lecture aims to delve into community interactions and public discourse, highlighting the complexities surrounding social engagement, encapsulated in the metaphor of “The Hedgehog.” This central theme ties together the layers of Professor Banana’s contributions to societal dynamics.
Rev Professor Sifiso Mpofu will deliver this year’s lecture, drawing from his extensive scholarly experience.
Entering its fourth edition, the Annual Revd Professor Canaan Banana Memorial Lecture has become a cornerstone of our academic calendar, attracting renowned theologians and scholars within the field.
Previous lectures have featured distinguished figures, including Reverend Professor Simangaliso Kumalo and Reverend Dr Solomon Zwana. The 2023 edition was presented by Full Professor Paul Henry Gundani, who discussed the theme “Revisiting Professor C. Banana, A Controversial, Defiant, Leading & Socially Engaged Cleric: Lessons for the Church and Citizenry in Times of Kairos.”
The Revd. Professor Canaan Banana Memorial Open Lectures are supported by the Maurice-Webb Testamentary Trust.
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