018 – African ethnoastronomy Book – Venus Rising: South African Astronomical Beliefs, Customs and Observations

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2010s, African Renaissance, Astronomy, Book, books, South Africa

Venus Rising: South African Astronomical Beliefs, Customs and Observations Written by Peter G. Alcock

“Venus Rising: South African Astronomical Beliefs, Customs and Observations examines traditional South African celestial knowledge, ranging from the Venda in the north to the /Xam San (Bushman) in the south. Also considered are eclipses, comets and meteors. Likewise discussed are place names, stories, poetry and riddles as well as other linguistic expressions which are linked to the heavens. The book, the first of its kind in this country, is a beginning and not an end, given that there is still more information to be collected in the vastness of South Africa’s cultural heritage. Readers, reinforced with information contained in this book, are invited to scan the night skies from a truly South African perspective.” [1]

The book is given away as a pdf for free by the Astronomical Society of Southern Africa. Visit the Book’s Homepage or Download Book

“Peter Alcock is a science graduate with a Ph.D. who has become interested, in more recent times, in South African indigenous scientific knowledge and history as well as geographic interpretations of selected South African novels. Peter published a book in 2010 on indigenous weather knowledge in this country. A companion volume on South African indigenous celestial knowledge is presently being considered by a local publisher. Peter prefers to avoid the “well-trodden path” in his research, and generally concentrates on the road less travelled.” [3]

Notes

1. http://assa.saao.ac.za/astronomy-in-south-africa/ethnoastronomy/venus-rising/

2. http://assa.saao.ac.za/astronomy-in-south-africa/ethnoastronomy/

3. Peter Alcock’s KwaZulu-Natal research, http://www.archivalplatform.org/news/entry/peter_alcocks/

 

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015 – Ngugi wa Thiong’o: Consciousness and African Renaissance: South Africa in the Black Imagination

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2000s, Art, Kenya, philosophy, politics, South Africa

The Fourth Steve Biko Annual Lecture given by Ngugi wa Thiong’o at
University of Cape Town, South Africa, 12th September 2003.

Consciousness and African Renaissance: South Africa in the Black Imagination

When Vasco da Gama set foot at the Cape in 1498, it was part of the general period of what has come to be known as the European renaissance, the founding moment of Capitalist modernity and Western bourgeois ascendancy in the world. It was also the beginnings of the wanton destruction of many city civilisations along the coasts of Africa, East Africa in particular. In 1994 Nelson Mandela as the first black president of the Republic of South Africa at a meeting of the OAU in Tunis recalls the destruction of Carthage by the generals of an earlier empire and says: “where South Africa appears on the agenda again, let it be because we want to discuss what its contribution shall be to the making of the new African renaissance. Let it be because we want to discuss what materials it will supply for the rebuilding of the African city of Carthage.” [3]

010 – Young Scientist – Siyabulela Lethuxolo Xuza – 23182 Siyaxuza

Tags

2000s, 2010s, science, South Africa

Photo Credit: SmartCape.org

“Siyabulela Xuza is one of the new young generation of Africans who are committed to developing the continent’s potential.

007 – Simphiwe Dana: The Quintessential African Renaissance Woman

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2000s, 2010s, music, Simphiwe Dana, South Africa

“Aside from being an electrifying live performer with an incredible voice, Simphiwe Dana is also a songwriter, a mother and a dedicated cultural activist – in many senses the quintessential African Renaissance woman. Underlying all of her work is a passion for her people, traditions and country and a deep concern for their future.”^[1]