Although I had the opportunity to travel to every other continent several times, I had never visited Africa before. As such, when I received an invitation to visit South Africa—the land of Mandela—I was somewhat hesitant, considering both the prevailing global uncertainties and the prospect of travelling for the first time to a distant and unfamiliar country. However, my curiosity to explore the unknown and experience the unseen ultimately inspired me to make the journey.
I spent nearly a month as a Visiting Professor at the Sol Plaatje University, located in Kimberley, the capital of the Northern Cape Province of South Africa. During this period, I had the opportunity to deliver seminars and public lectures at the university and engage in meaningful discussions with faculty members and students on research and academic matters. Subsequently, I delivered a keynote speech at the University’s Graduation Ceremony, which was an immensely prestigious experience for me. I felt truly honoured to represent Bangladesh on such a prestigious occasion. In addition, during university weekends and the Easter holidays, I had the opportunity to visit different cities and interact with many people, which enabled me to gain a deeper understanding of South Africa.
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Geographically, South Africa is nearly eight times larger than Bangladesh, while its population of approximately 60 million is about one-third that of Bangladesh. Known as the “Rainbow Nation,” the country is blessed not only with remarkable natural resources and beauty but also with a distinctive model of administrative decentralization.
Unlike most countries in the world that have a single capital city, South Africa has three capitals: Pretoria (administrative capital), Cape Town (legislative capital), and Bloemfontein (judicial capital). This tri-capital system of decentralization has facilitated the development of multiple modern cities through enhanced connectivity and infrastructure.
Cities such as Cape Town, Durban, and Johannesburg are truly impressive for their modern urban systems, advanced transportation networks, and infrastructure. In many respects, these cities appeared comparable to those in the developed world. Among them, the legislative capital, Cape Town, is often referred to as the “Queen of Beauty” for its breathtaking natural charm.
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South Africa is richly endowed with mineral resources. Among the most significant are diamonds, gold, platinum, chromium, manganese, coal, iron ore, and uranium. Kimberley—the capital of the Northern Cape Province, where I stayed—is widely known as the “Diamond City.” It was from the famous “Big Hole” in Kimberley in 1871 that commercial diamond mining began for the first time in the world. This abundance of mineral wealth has contributed significantly to South Africa’s membership in the BRICS, one of the world’s most influential economic alliances. The BRICS nations—Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa—collectively reflect growing global economic and geopolitical influence.
Despite the energy-related challenges faced by Bangladesh amid global instability, I did not observe any noticeable impact of such difficulties in South Africa. It is widely understood that the country enjoys considerable energy resources, which help ensure greater resilience in this regard.
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Greater than its natural resources is the true strength of South Africa—its hardworking people, patriotism, and courageous leadership. The globally celebrated icon of the anti-apartheid movement, Nelson Mandela, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1993 and assumed office as the President of South Africa in 1994, ushering in a new era of transformation for the country.
Following his presidency, Mandela dismantled the apartheid system and established equal rights for all citizens, laying the foundation for a democratic state based on human rights and social justice. Rather than pursuing revenge, he embraced the noble principle of reconciliation and forgiveness, thereby playing a crucial role in promoting national unity, social harmony, and international dignity.
Even today, his ideals and leadership continue to deeply influence every sphere of South African society. Among the Black population, he is respectfully known as “Madiba.” Mandela famously said, “Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.” This philosophy is visibly reflected in South Africa’s higher education system.
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South Africa currently has 26 universities, all of which are publicly funded institutions. Although higher education is also offered through private colleges, no private university has yet been established in the country. A strict regulatory framework governs the establishment of universities in South Africa. Approval is granted not on political considerations but rather on the basis of quality and institutional capability. Every university must be registered with the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) under the Ministry of Higher Education, while accreditation from the Council on Higher Education (CHE) is mandatory for awarding degrees.
A noteworthy aspect of the country’s universities is the tendency to maintain academic and institutional environments relatively free from political influence. Although student organizations exist, their activities appear largely confined to academic matters and student welfare. Likewise, political divisions and factionalism among faculty members seem comparatively limited.
University of South Africa is the largest university in Africa, currently studying more than 300,000 students from around the world and is particularly renowned for its distance learning system. On the other hand, University of Cape Town is an internationally acclaimed research-intensive university and ranks among the best universities in Africa.
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South Africa’s strong emphasis on research reflects a national realization that meaningful development is impossible without knowledge creation and innovation. Universities receive substantial government funding for research, and attractive incentives are provided for publications in selected high-quality academic journals.
South African universities are making significant contributions to higher education and research. I had the opportunity to visit the University of the Free State, established in 1904.
The century-old universities of the country have developed highly diversified academic disciplines that reflect the depth and sophistication of higher education and research. Examples include the School of Financial Planning Law, the School of Theology and Religion, the Department of Mathematical Statistics, the Department of Probability, and the Centre for Mineral Biogeochemistry. Such academic diversity clearly demonstrates the country’s commitment to advanced learning and specialized research. High-quality research is making meaningful contributions to the country’s socio-economic development. Universities also regularly invite visiting professors and distinguished scientists from around the world, fostering an intellectually vibrant and globally connected academic environment.
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South Africa has achieved remarkable progress in the healthcare sector. Through effective policies implemented by the Department of Health, improved infrastructure, and a skilled workforce, the country has developed a relatively strong healthcare system.
In particular, South Africa’s success in combating HIV/AIDS has gained international recognition. With the support of organizations such as the World Health Organization and other global partners, the disease has been brought under considerable control. In this regard, Bangladeshi physicians have also made notable contributions. At present, more than two hundred Bangladeshi doctors are reportedly serving in South Africa, where physicians generally receive comparatively attractive remuneration. One noteworthy aspect of the healthcare system is the strict regulation on the sale of high-potency medicines without prescriptions—an area from which Bangladesh may draw valuable lessons.
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Despite its many achievements, crime remains one of South Africa’s major challenges. Particularly in large cities such as Johannesburg, incidents of theft, robbery, and violent crime frequently make headlines. In addition, unemployment, income inequality, and certain administrative weaknesses continue to pose obstacles to sustainable development.
Nevertheless, the ruling African National Congress has been actively working to address these challenges. If social security and public safety can be further strengthened, South Africa is well-positioned to secure an even stronger standing among the world’s developed nations.
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One of the major indicators of South Africa’s economic strength is its per capita income, which stands at approximately USD 6,800—more than twice that of Bangladesh. Many African countries have made remarkable progress in education, research, infrastructure, and economic development, offering important lessons for countries like Bangladesh. Countries such as Mauritius and Seychelles surpass Bangladesh on many development indicators, while South Africa and Botswana have achieved considerable advancement in economic development, infrastructure, natural resource management, and, importantly, in higher education and research.
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When I reflect on the extraordinary progress of South Africa—a country that has overcome immense challenges—and then turn my attention to my own country, I experience a sense of deep concern and feel compelled to engage in self-reflection. More than five decades after independence, we remain divided in many respects. Too often, we appear more preoccupied with opposing one another than with working collectively toward national progress. We still have a long way to go in achieving greater unity in the national interest.
In many instances, personal and partisan interests seem to receive greater priority than the broader interests of the nation. There is an urgent need to strengthen mutual respect, trust, and coordination among ourselves. Rising above individual and group interests and giving greater importance to national priorities has become the need of the day.
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If South Africa can rise to remarkable heights of development within a few decades after overcoming racial discrimination, oppression, and inequality, why can we not do the same? Although Bangladesh may have limited mineral resources, the strength of its nearly 170 million people can become its greatest asset. If we can build a skilled, ethical, and competent workforce through an education system that rises above partisan politics—and empower them to contribute globally—our human resources may ultimately become more valuable than even the richest mineral wealth.
I firmly believe that through a corruption-free administration, merit-based institutions, and united national efforts, Bangladesh can be transformed into a prosperous, peaceful, and developed nation.
Author Is a Professor, Vice-Chancellor, Eastern University, Dhaka
