Q: What is Transforming Encounters?

A: Transforming Encounters is a recently launched research group within the School of Philosophy. The current core members of Transforming Encounters are Prof Anné Verhoef, Dr Justin Sands and Danelle Fourie, all from the School of Philosophy in the Faculty of Arts. Zander Janse van Rensburg, manager of the Writing Laboratory on the campus in Potchefstroom, is a postgraduate member and researcher.

 

Our aim is to create open spaces for dialogue and at the same time give philosophy students the opportunity to continue with philosophical research to support better understanding between people from diverse backgrounds. This is done through themed events and meetings.

 

Q: What is the purpose of the events?

A:  Meaningful interactions that create better understanding between people are essential in the diverse communities we live in, both internationally and locally. We aim to engage people in discussions around diversity.

 

Q: What events have taken place in this regard?

A: Our first event was called A Transforming Encounters Diversity Panel: Women in Academia and the main theme was to support and give guidance and practical advice to young and up-and-coming female academics. They also had the opportunity to share their experiences. It took place on 28 April at the NWU Art Gallery. More than 50 people, including staff and students, attended. Although it was once-off we would like to have more panels, if we can secure the necessary funding.

 

Q: Who is involved in the events?

A: Transforming Encounters builds networks by bringing various collaborators together from international and national networks. We then create diversity panels around a particular theme harnessing the expertise of the collaborators.

 

Panel members talk about issues that are not only theoretical but also practical. In other words, it is not only “talking about talk” but also offering real-world advice.

 

We involve expert guest speakers from all over the world. An example of this was when Dr Amber Griffioen of the University of Konstanz in Germany visited us for a six-week research stay. Through her involvement, Danelle organised the diversity panel. We also had staff members and undergraduate and doctoral students participating, among others.

 

Q: What did the participants say about the diversity panel?

A: Some students and lecturers said they don’t often get the opportunity to voice their concerns on such a platform. They felt encouraged and empowered.

 

Q: What other events took place?

A: We recently had a Transforming Encounter around the theme of the portrayal of Islam in the media. The debate was very informative and pointed out bias and prejudice when Western media report on Muslims.

 

Q: When will the next Transforming Encounters event take place?

A: Depending on funding, we aim to host another event in August this year. We would like that encounter to focus on the decolonisation and Africanisation of the university curriculum. We believe it is a topical issue that will offer scope for debate.

 

For more information about Transforming Encounters, send an email to Prof Anné Verhoef at anne.verhoef@nwu.ac.za, Dr Justin Sands at justin.sands@nwu.ac.za or Danelle Fourie at danelle.fourie@gmail.com or 22870644@nwu.ac.za.