Who are we?
In 2022 the Department of Ancient Studies at Stellenbosch University set out to initiate the African Classics Network (ACN) forum to facilitate networking between Classical scholars working in African countries or scholars interested in Classics in Africa.
Through a Stellenbosch University Africa Collaboration Grant we were able to invite colleagues from Ghana, Nigeria, Zimbabwe and South Africa in October 2022 to participate in an informal workshop on the topic of African Classics. These scholars included Prof Kunbi Olasope from the University of Ibadan in Nigeria; Gifty Etornam Katahena from the University of Ghana, and Dr Madhlozi Moyo from The University of the Free State, Bloemfontein (originally from Zimbabwe), as well as an array of South African scholars from Stellenbosch, the University of Cape Town and the University of the Western Cape.
A very successful second ACN workshop was held in November 2023 at Stellenbosch University’s Department of Ancient Studies. Prof Obert Mlambo from the University of Zimbabwe, Harare and Dr Stella Antiwaa from University of Cape Coast, Ghana visited South Africa, while Dr Monica Aneni from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria was able to join us online. All three scholars participated in the workshop (20-22 November 2023), which was hosted by Samantha Masters(Stellenbosch) and Stephen Harrison (Oxford) and funded by the Africa-Oxford catalyst grant. The scholars also variously participated at the Classical Association of South Africa Conference (CASA) hosted by the University of Cape Town in Cape Town, 23-25November, the African Humanities Association conference (UCT) and the final ReTAGS conference at the Baxter theatre, Cape Town.
Our Aims
The network seeks to develop collegiality between African scholars working on Classics or scholars with research interests in Classics in Africa. We hope to come together online and in person wherever possible to share information, offer support and discuss approaches to our various fields. The ACN aims to:
Set up a regular email subscription service to connect scholars working on Classics in Africa and based in African countries (currently in progress)
Share relevant events and publications via this email subscription and via the website and social media.
Explore opportunities for collegial exchange through research visits and investigating potential funding.
Exchange ideas on classics from/in an African context, and contribute to curriculum transformation and enrichment.
Learn from colleagues' approaches to our various fields, especially from an African perspective.
Set up a directory of scholars (currently in progress).
Develop a presence on social media platforms.
Collaborate on publications.
Social Media
Find us on the following platforms:
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