Robert Haswell, geographer, political activist and former member of the Democratic Party of Parliament in South Africa, will present a lecture entitled, “Meeting and Working with Nelson Mandela: Politics and Memory in a Democratic State.” The lecture will be followed by a panel discussion including Dr. Ike Udogu and Dr. Rob Eskridge of the Department of Government and Justice Studies.

Haswell was a Senior Lecturer in Geography at the University of Natal: Pietermaritzburg between 1974 and 1989, before entering Parliament in South Africa first as a member of the Democratic Party and then as an African National Congress Member of Parliament (1989-1994). Between 1996 and 2010 he served as the Municipal Manager and Senior Executive Manager of the Msunduzi Municipality and since 2016 is a Board member of the Umgungundlovu Economic Development Agency.

As a geographer and as a political activist, Haswell has written extensively on the cultural geography of place and memory, racial landscapes, racial and social justice, and sports as mediators of political antagonisms.

Udogu’s areas of expertise include international relations, comparative politics, African politics, human rights and conflict resolutions. Eskridge spent four years in South Africa working as an advisor to the South African National Treasury, assisting local governments implement national policies surrounding new budgeting and financial reporting policies.

These events are sponsored by the Office of Academic Affairs, the College of Arts and Sciences, the Department of Government and Justice Studies and the Department of Geography and Planning.

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About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.