Colloquium

About the Colloquium

The colloquium of the Department of Afrikaans and Dutch is a biennial public discussion event where one or another relevant contemporary issue is raised. Its purpose is to give students in particular a chance to participate in a form of informed, frank and exploratory dialogue. In our opinion, we are thereby meeting an increasingly urgent need for the development of a critical awareness of contemporary discourses and contested issues, often with reference to the role of literature and other artistic forms in our complex society. The events also serve to celebrate the idea that it is possible to talk about any difficult matter with a kind of informal grace, while maintaining self-respect, respect for others and a lively, spirited rhetorical style. Our invited guests come from a wide spectrum of writers, thinkers, musicians and activists from within and outside the University of Stellenbosch. The format varies from presentations, to lectures, to panel discussions and extended personal interviews.