Ubuntu educators to host community gathering in Somerset West

Ubuntu-rooted educators and community development practitioners Reverend Theo Mayekiso and Thandi Mayekiso will lead a special gathering hosted by the Somerset West Unitarian Fellowship on Saturday, February 7.

Ubuntu is a Nguni term translating to "humanity," or "I am because we are."

The event will take place at 10am at the Vonke Meeting Room in Vonke House, Lourensford Road, Somerset West, and will focus on the role of spirituality, education and community renewal.

Reverend Theo Mayekiso is a scholar, author and public speaker whose work spans faith, education and social development.

He holds postgraduate qualifications in theology and community development. He is currently completing a Master of Theology focusing on moral and cognitive development in early childhood education, according to his biography. He is also the author of Being Black: A South African Story That Matters and is known for his engagement with Montessori pedagogy and community-based education models.

Thandi Mayekiso is an experienced early childhood development practitioner with qualifications in Montessori-based education, and is currently pursuing a theology course. She said her work focuses on child-centred learning within family and community contexts.

"Drawing on their recent fact-finding visit to Lesotho, Theo and Thandi will share insights from their engagement with local partners, reflections on the country’s educational landscape, and lessons emerging from child-centred community development initiatives," said Reverend Roux Malan, the leader of the Somerset West Unitarian Fellowship.

Their presentation, titled The Spiritual Significance of Thaba-Bosiu in Lesotho, will explore the cultural and spiritual importance of the mountain in Basotho history and identity.

For more information, you can contact Reverend Malan on 084 679 5466 or visit https://swunitarians.carrd.co/.

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