A Public Lecture That Sparks a Vision for Africa’s Future- hosted by Department of MM

On April 4, shortly after a stirring radio interview on UJFM, Honorary Doctorate Thebe Ikalafeng, delivered a compelling public lecture titled “Reimagining Africa: Shaping a sustainable global African identity and prosperous future.” The event, organised by the Department of Marketing Management, drew an international audience, underscoring Ikalafeng’s influential vision for the continent.

Ikalafeng discussed Africa’s historical context and its influence on current challenges, emphasising the importance of Africa setting its own agendas rather than following external ones. He revealed a striking statistic from Brand Africa: 85% of Africans prefer foreign brands over local ones, advocating for a shift to embrace and promote African brands globally.

Highlighting the detrimental “three Bs” — blaming, begging, and borrowing. Thebe championed a new approach centred on branding. He asserted that effective branding could transform Africa’s global identity and economic future, embodying his honourary title, which means “the shield has arrived,” signifying his role in championing Africa’s potential and prosperity.