A Message from Dr Badat

During a state of emergency and the final days of apartheid, huge marches took place in South Africa’s cities. They were organised by the Mass Democratic Movement as part of its Defiance Campaign, and led by political, civic and religious leaders like Archbishop Tutu.

The protestors demanded an end to apartheid, racism and injustice, and the creation of an equitable and just democracy.

During one such march, in Cape Town in late 1989, police used a water canon to disperse marchers. The canon also sprayed marchers with a purple dye, in order to be able to identify and arrest protestors. 

That evening, a slogan was painted on the Townhouse in Greenmarket Square. It read: The Purple Shall Govern – a play on the famous words of the 1955 Freedom Charter: ‘The People Shall Govern.’

The Purple Shall Govern subsequently became the title of a 1991 book, one of whose editors was the late Rhodes alumnus and indomitable anti-apartheid fighter, Dr Margaret Nash.

Let’s work to ensure

That the Purple Reigns Supreme, and

That the Purple Shall Govern: in terms of societal and individual values, leadership conduct and deeds

Let the Purple slogan, Where Leaders Learn

Help us to understand that leadership is everyone's task and responsibility, and the real meaning of the slogan, ‘Power to the People’

Inspire us to humble leadership in the classrooms and schools of our lands; in hospital and clinic dispensaries; in legal practices, prosecution offices and courts; in research institutions and scientific laboratories; in universities and media, and in financial and public services

Commit us to embrace the idea that

The leader is best

When people are hardly aware of his existence
When his work is done, his aim fulfilled
The people say, 'We did it ourselves.’ (Lao Tzu)

Let the Purple motto Strength, Virtue, Truth

Inspire among us ethical conduct, impeccable integrity, visionary endeavour, selfless public service and commitment to people and responsibilities

Help us to reflect critically on moral issues and pursue the Truth that derives from knowledge, understanding and reason, and from open intellectual debate

Develop in us the Virtue of imagination, creativity, perseverance, respect for the innate worth and dignity of all, human rights, social justice and social compassion, and an unwavering commitment to non-racialism, non-sexism and respect for difference and diversity, whether related to ‘race’, gender, nationality, sexual orientation, language or culture

Build in us the Strength of courage and boldness to publicly speak truth to power, and to remake our society as a vibrant democracy that advances equity, environmentally sustainable development, social justice and the interests of all.

Let the Purple Reign Supreme! Let the Purple Govern!

Dr Saleem Badat

Vice Chancellor, Rhodes University