Book launch: Centre for Extra-Mural Studies and the Human Sciences Research Council: The meaning of a life: a south african scientist’s tale

BOOK LAUNCH: CENTRE FOR EXTRA-MURAL STUDIES AND THE HUMAN 

SCIENCES RESEARCH COUNCIL 

THE MEANING OF A LIFE: A SOUTH AFRICAN SCIENTIST’S TALE 

Emeritus Professors Wieland Gevers and Anwar Mall 

Date: 26 March 

Time: 18:00–19:00 

Venue: Lecture Theatre 2, Kramer Law Building, Middle Campus, University of Cape Town 

Emeritus Professor Gevers will be available to sign his autobiography which will be on sale after the in-discussion session. 

RSVP: skhan@hsrc.ac.za 

The Meaning of a Life: A South African Scientist's tale is a frank and full account of the ways in which chance and opportunity affect the life of a scientist, how the elusive qualities responsible for survival and eventual success can be retrospectively identified, with lessons for the young and hopeful who might wish to tread on a similar path. It seeks to demystify the inter-relation between the professional and public/private life, revealing what happens to a person’s inner being and family as a career unfolds. The story maps onto the country’s history, by including aspects of ancestry and inherited culture, and by describing the life-path of one individual in the academic sphere in South Africa who sought to change, and in some key instances did change, the basic workings of higher education and research as the country went through massive transitions. Readers will see into many aspects of the behind-the-scenes workings of academia, usually hidden from the public gaze, which may significantly affect their lives or those of their communities. A must-read book for all citizens, especially those interested in the lives of academics and in understanding university life. 

For further information please contact Dr Medeé Rall at medee.rall@uct.ac.za or Bronwyn Geldenhuys at Bronwyn.geldenhuys@uct.ac.za