The existential compulsion of literature: honouring literary giants at Rhodes University

Date Released: Thu, 12 March 2026 13:22 +0200

By Siqhamo Jama

Literature is far more than just words on a page; for the scholars honoured by the English Academy of Southern Africa, it is an existential compulsion. For the first time ever, the Academy brought its prestigious awards ceremony to the Department of Literary Studies in English at Rhodes University. For over 60 years, the Academy has played a vital role in preserving and elevating the humanities. By hosting these esteemed literary figures and celebrating postgraduate research, the University proudly participates in mapping the future of literary studies.

Professor Owen Seda, President of the English Academy, explained that the Department provided a convivial context for the event. He noted the natural synergy between the work of the Department and that of the Academy, especially since several Rhodes University staff are active Academy members. The location also made perfect sense geographically, as two of the award recipients are based in the Eastern Cape, with the third having connections to Rhodes University institutions such as the Institute for the Study of Englishes in Africa (ISEA) and Amazwi South African Museum of Literature, even if he was flying in from the Western Cape.

Professor Seda emphasised that honouring the awardees is not merely about looking back at their accomplishments. He noted that they share a long-standing affiliation with the development of English studies in Southern Africa. Recognising their outstanding work serves as vital inspiration for the next generation of academics.

A lifetime of servant leadership

The Academy presented its Gold Medal Award to Robert Sharman for his distinguished service to English over a lifetime. Sharman has dedicated decades to education and language preservation. He has served on the Pan South African Language Board and the Board of Directors for the Dictionary Unit for South African English.

During his address, Sharman reflected on his arrival at Rhodes University in the 1970s. He paid tribute to legendary figures like Guy Butler who helped shape the cultural landscape of the city. Sharman humbly downplayed his own massive contributions to the literary ecosystem.

"In essence, throughout my life, I have been committed to what in recent years has become known as servant leadership," Sharman explained. He also urged allied educational organisations to work more closely together in an increasingly challenging funding environment.

The existential compulsion of literature

The Academy then awarded a Fellowship to Professor David Attwell. Attwell boasts a truly international career with prominent academic roles stretching from the University of Texas to the University of York. His highly acclaimed work on the writings of Nobel laureate JM Coetzee remains a groundbreaking cornerstone of contemporary literary analysis.

Attwell delivered a moving speech about the existential compulsion that drives scholars to study African literature. He noted that literature is the finest cultural expression of our time and place. He also did not shy away from the modern challenges facing the humanities, including a societal loss of confidence and the rapid rise of machine language technology.

However, Attwell offered a profound counterargument to the threat of artificial intelligence. He pointed out that the skills needed to manage these new creative tools are the exact same skills that machines cannot teach. He emphasised that close contextual reading and critical alertness are needed now more than ever.

Professor Seda echoed this confident stance regarding the future. He firmly stated that the work and legacy of the English Academy will defy any perceived threats from artificial intelligence or shifting educational priorities. The primary task of the Academy, Seda noted, is to cultivate the language and ensure it remains readily accessible for all who wish to use it.

"Those of us who are retiring from the field do so in hope and with our hearts in our hands," Attwell said. He described their collective legacy as an archive of scholars who have spent their entire careers using the deep, emotional power of words to try and make society more empathetic and kinder, doing their best to bring about a better world by engaging with language “freighted with love”.

The morning concluded with a surprise announcement. Christopher Edley, a doctoral student in the department, was awarded the Gwen Knowles Williams Award to assist with his doctoral studies. The award comes with a condition that he must produce a journal article for the English Academy Review, which is published by the English Academy of Southern Africa. Professor Seda proudly highlighted that this funding is just one of many initiatives the Academy offers to recognise and support the literary and scholarly achievements of those working in English education.

Source:Communications