TOMORROW: UKZN–UNIZULU Philosophy Seminar Series, Wed 8 April: Tebogo Radebe, "Ubuntu as a Dramaturgical Tool for Building Community in Protests"
M. Whitaker
TOMORROW
UKZN–UNIZULU Philosophy Seminar Series
Wednesday, 8 April 2026 @ 14h00-15h30
Ubuntu as a Dramaturgical Tool for Building Community in Protests
Tebogo Radebe
University of Zululand
Abstract:
In this paper, ubuntu is proposed as a dramaturgical lens for analysing social phenomena, particularly focusing on the 2015 Wits Student Protest (#FeesMustFall). The purpose of this study was to explore how ubuntu, as an epistemological and dramaturgical tool, can deepen the understanding of protest and community dynamics through performance. Methodologically, dramaturgy of everyday life framework is used to analyse the songs sung during the #FeesMustFall protest, emphasising their role in shaping political agency and fostering community. Songs analysed are “Jikijela” by Letta Mbulu, along with its reworked version by Thandiswa Mazwai, the decolonised “Nkosi Sikelela iAfrika,” and the title song from Mbongeni Ngema’s play Asinamali. The findings suggest that ubuntu provides an alternative epistemic lens, challenging traditional views of protest as primarily destructive. Instead, through shared performance and song, ubuntu fosters collective identity and democratic participation. The argument posited is that embodiment of ubuntu during protests creates space for community negotiation and self-actualisation, redefining the narrative of democratic agency in protest. This study contributes to scholarship by offering a new framework for understanding the role of songs in protests as dramaturgical tools that create roles, scripts, and shared experiences. Ubuntu as a dramaturgical lens expands the possibilities for analysing social movements and highlights the transformative power of performance in building communities.
Keywords: Ubuntu, Dramaturgy, Protest, Song, performance, #FeesMustfall
Author Bio:
Dr. Tebogo Radebe is a dynamic creative scientist, academic, published interdisciplinary researcher, scholar, drama practitioner, facilitator dedicated to using drama to activate communities in various social contexts. He has been to local and international conferences. He is a Stellenbosch University, SA & Michigan State University, USA Ubuntu Dialogues International Fellowship holder.With extensive experience as an applied theatre practitioner, he has facilitated decolonial dialogues at Stellenbosch University, enriching the academic and social discourse. His passion for development is evident in his self-motivated, solution-driven, critical, creative, and analytical work ethic. Tebogo’s expertise lies in employing creative arts for social development and change. As an award-winning radio producer, he has contributed significantly to Voice of Wits, SA FM, and Maties FM Radio Station at Stellenbosch University. His experience in radio highlights his ability to engage and educate through media. His selfless dedication and commitment to his passion for arts based creative sciences and cross disciplinary life long learning through Soweto Kliptown Youth Program, Soyikwa Institute of African Theatre, Blaq Aesthetics Arts Collective, University Of South Africa, Wits and Stellenbosch , Zululand University continue to lay a foundation for his career. Dr. Radebe’s commitment to education, creativity, and community activation continues to inspire and impact the fields of Arts based and Creative as well as Interdiscplinary research.
For any queries, please contact:
Gontse J. Lebakeng (Leba...@unizulu.ac.za),
Monique Whitaker (Whit...@ukzn.ac.za), or
Jason van Niekerk (vanNi...@unizulu.ac.za)