Invitation to the 2nd Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture: Honoring the Legacy of a Workers’ Icon

2nd Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture

Johannesburg, South Africa – The DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID), in collaboration with the Department of Employment and Labour, is proud to announce the 2nd Elijah Barayi Memorial Lecture, to be held on 29 May 2025 at the University of Johannesburg’s Auckland Park campus.
This year’s lecture will continue to pay tribute to the indelible contribution of Elijah Barayi, one of the founding leaders of the National Union of Mineworkers (NUM) and the Congress of South African Trade Unions (COSATU). Barayi’s legacy, especially in advocating for workers’ rights and his role in the trade union movement, will be the central focus of the event, underscoring the ongoing struggle for justice and equality in the workplace.

Event Information

Date: 29 May 2025
Time: 10:00 – 12:00 (SAST)
Registration: 09:00 (Guests must be seated by 09:45)
Venue: Ubuntu Chambers, Madibeng Building, 3rd floor, University of Johannesburg, Auckland Park Campus

Refreshments will be served

Guest Speaker

Speaker: Mr. Gwede Mantashe, Minister of Mineral and Petroleum Resources
The event will be an essential moment for reflection and discussion on workers’ rights, with Minister Gwede Mantashe offering insights into the current challenges and achievements in the labour and industrial sectors. A live streaming option will be available for those unable to attend in person, link will be provided closer tot the time.

Contact Information

For more information, press inquiries, or to RSVP: https://lnkd.in/dZ3JeD46

Please contact Mrs. Melanie Ridgard at Elijahbaraylecture@labour.gov.za

RSVP & ID/Passport required for event access

About Elijah Barayi:

Elijah Barayi was a visionary labour leader and one of the key founding figures behind the National Union of Mineworkers and the Congress of South African Trade Unions. His dedication to the labour movement and his tireless work advocating for the rights of workers throughout South Africa continue to inspire generations of trade unionists and social justice advocates.

About SARChI-ID:

The DSI/NRF South African Research Chair in Industrial Development (SARChI-ID) is part of the National Research Foundation’s (NRF) South African Research Chairs Initiative, funded by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI) through the NRF. The Chair is hosted at the University of Johannesburg (UJ), within the College of Business and Economics (CBE). Professor Fiona Tregenna is the Chairholder and Director. She is also a Professor of Economics at UJ.

SARChI-ID’s core activities include research, training and capacity building, and policy and public engagements. The main thematic focus areas of research include industrialisation, deindustrialisation and industrial development, industrial policy, structural change, technological upgrading, innovation, green transition and energy, and regional value chains and integration.

Download the flyer for more information

May 29, 2025

Disclaimer: The University of Johannesburg encourages academic debate and discussion that are conducted in a manner that upholds respectful interaction, safety of all involved, and freedom of association as enshrined in the law, the Constitution, and within the boundaries of the University policies. The views expressed during events are expressed in a personal capacity and do not necessarily reflect the views of the University of Johannesburg.