“Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi at the VUT 2025 Gala Dinner, emphasising the transformative role of education in nurturing freedom, critical consciousness, and social justice.”
16 September 2025 | Story By: Qhawekazi Memani | Picture: Naledi Nkosi
2 minutes read time.
At the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT’s) Gala Dinner on 10 September 2025, Dr Mbuyiseni Ndlozi, a former politician now a respected radio presenter, political commentator and analyst, delivered a keynote address that left the audience deeply moved and reflective.
Dr Ndlozi underscored the power of education as a force that goes beyond the transfer of information. He said, “The people you educate today are the future. What we educate is not just the mind but the spirit.” He reminded the audience that education is not merely about knowledge, but about nurturing critical consciousness and cultivating freedom.
Reflecting on South Africa’s democratic challenges, he warned of persistent threats to African identity and belonging, saying: “There is a crisis. Some want to convince us that South Africa does not belong to black people. This is an attack on our developmental trust and a denial of historic provisions that recognise this country belongs to all, but fundamentally acknowledges its African heritage.”
Speaking candidly, Dr Ndlozi pointed to low voter turnout as a danger to democracy. “Less than 30% of eligible voters have participated in recent elections. A government cannot claim legitimacy when so many are absent from the democratic process.” While praising the energy of youth-led movements, he cautioned that democracy survives only when people themselves demand honesty and justice from governance.
He further warned against the corrosion of trust caused by corruption and nepotism, stressing that “citizens feel betrayed by municipalities riddled with graft, leaving people disillusioned and mistrustful.” His message was clear: only vigilance, renewed activism, and ethical leadership can safeguard democracy’s promise.
Dr Ndlozi urged educators to rise above the lure of superficial success and instead prepare students for deep, critical engagement with their world. “Our life should not be
driven by forgetting and superficial success, but by knowing that we don’t know, cultivating humility and deep understanding.”
Weaving poetic reflection with urgent critique, his speech reminded guests of the profound responsibility of education to defend freedom, human dignity, and culture. He closed with a stirring appeal: “In a world laden with challenges, education is our beacon of hope to rise above these crises. Let us nurture the spirit of responsiveness, freedom and critical consciousness in the generations to come.”
Dr Ndlozi’s address resonated long after the evening had ended, leaving educators, leaders and students alike with a renewed sense of duty to not only impart knowledge but to shape citizens capable of transformative change.