The Durban University of Technology continues to spread its tentacles around the world through engaging and cross-pollinating ideas with the global community of scholars. Recently, Innocent Tinashe Mutero, a doctoral candidate from the Peace Studies department attended an International Conference in Finland, from the 18th to 20 September 2017. Running under the theme: ‘Non-killing for Peacebuilding: Crises, Dangers and Opportunities’, the symposium which was hosted by the Abo Akademi University attracted scholars, musicians and activists from countries which include Japan, Norway, Ghana, Spain, South Africa, Syria and host Finland.
The conference was also attended by leading Music and Peacebuilding scholar Olivier Urbain, the Director of Min-on Music Research Institute, who gave the keynote speech. In his address, he introduced and developed the theme of the conference, and emphasized the importance of collaboration and joint endeavors between peace activists, musicians and the community.
Mutero, who is supervised by Dr Sylvia Kaye gave a presentation titled Towards Endogenous Arts-Based Peacebuilding in Repressed Environments. Case Study of Mkoba in Gweru, Zimbabwe. The presentation dwelt on how art for social change, asset-based community development and social capital can be harnessed by repressed communities to engage in endogenous peace-building activities.
Mutero said that what was unique about his presentation was that of all the academic presentations that had made it his was the only participatory action research. “In addition, since I worked on participatory action research in the true tradition of DUT Peace Studies department’s quest to ‘make peace now’, I was one of the few delegates trudging between all the roles of activism, musicianship and academia. The conference provided me with an invaluable opportunity to share experiences with fellow peace-builders. It opened my thinking to new ways Master’s and Ph.D. students can grow and make a meaningful contribution to the community and academia,” he said.
In an interview, the jubilant and immensely grateful Mutero also extended his deepest gratitude to the Research and Postgraduate office, particularly to Ms Vaneshree Govender for her hands-on approach in making sure that he had to fund and all the necessities were made. In the same vein, he thanked the DUT Vice-Chancellor Professor Thandwa Mthembu for his stewardship which continues to make DUT a preferred University for developing leadership in technology and productive citizenship. “I am grateful for this environment where we can research and share our findings with the rest of the world. Finally, I would to extend my deepest gratitude to my supervisor Dr Sylvia Kaye for mentorship during the research process. I am deeply indebted to humanity for the effort she put, often going out of her way, to ensure that the trip becomes a success,” he said.
The DVC for Research, Innovation and Engagement, Professor Sibusiso Moyo, said: “The University as part of its strategy intends to ensure that both our students and staff have opportunities for international mobility to enhance their research skills and experience. Recipients of awards are expected to report back and share what they have learnt with the rest of the University community and other postgraduate students. What is interesting is the interdisciplinary approach of the Arts and Humanities and the role music can play in peace-building. We will be following up with the Finish team through the Center for Nonviolence on a possible joint conference initiative for 2018/19.
Congratulations to Mr Mutero and look forward to more publications.”
Pictured: Innocent Tinashe Mutero, a doctoral candidate from the Peace Studies department attending an International Conference in Finland.
Copy: Innocent Tinashe Mutero
