Padayachee believed in negotiating from a position that represents the needs of the working class
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Vishnu Padayachee believed in negotiating from a position that truly represents the needs of the working class - Imraan Valodia
The Southern Centre for Inequality Studies (SCIS), the Wits School of Economics and Finance (SEF), the Wits School of Governance (WSG), and the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) came together for the book launch of Political Economy and Critical Engagement in South Africa: Essays in Honour of Vishnu Padayachee held at SCIS on 28 November 2024. This was the second launch, following its first one at UKZN ahead of the SCIS gathering.
The book examines contemporary understandings of social change and political economy in democratic South Africa, reflecting on the intellectual, social, and political life of the economist, Professor Vishnu Padayachee.
The hybrid event brought together academics, colleagues, and friends to celebrate the life and contributions of Padayachee, whose legacy as an interdisciplinary scholar continues to inspire debates on South African political economy.
One of the central themes discussed was his ability to reconcile revolutionary ideals with the realities of his middle-class life. Former Vice-Chancellor and Principal of Wits University, and Director of the School of Oriental and African Studies, Professor Adam Habib, who was the keynote speaker, reflected on his relationship with Padayachee,
“He was my friend and mentor, serving as a bridge between an emerging generation of activist academics and an older generation of more established ones.”
Padayachee assisted with the supervision of Habib’s doctorate in the mid-1990s but was also a two-decade long research collaborator on resistance and the politics of economic policy making.
Professor Robert van Niekerk, one of the book editors, highlighted Padayachee ’s critiques of economic policies and the dynamics of class forces in post-apartheid South Africa. He noted,
"The problem isn’t ambition. The problem is when those same forces claim to represent the working class while prioritising their own interests."
Director of SCIS and another editor of the book, Professor Imraan Valodia expanded on Padayachee ’s views on social compacts, adding,
"For the working class to even consider compromises, like a wage freeze, they must see meaningful benefits, such as universal healthcare or equitable schooling. Vishnu believed in negotiating from a position that truly represents the needs of the working class."
His work on healthcare reform was a key topic. Valodia noted that Padayachee’s proposals were inspired by the UK’s National Health Service model but adapted to South Africa’s challenges. However, Professor Rajend Mesthrie, who’s the third editor of the book, emphasised the difficulties in advancing these reforms,
"The assumption that all ANC leadership supported universal healthcare was incorrect. There was already class repositioning within the leadership that undermined these transformative goals."
Habib spoke highly of Padayachee’s interdisciplinary approach and intellectual curiosity.
"Vishnu trusted his intellectual curiosities to take him into uncharted spaces, connecting economics, philosophy, and history in unique ways. He was animated by a vision of a just society, rooted in social solidarity and public goods,” said Habib.
His former colleagues shared reflections on his early academic career and his influence on institutions like the University of Durban-Westville. They described him as someone who could connect with diverse audiences,
"Vishnu had an incredible ability to connect with people, whether they were trade unionists or policymakers, and to challenge them with his ideas."
雷速体育_雷速体育直播 the book
Political Economy and Critical Engagement in South Africa: Essays in Honour of Vishnu Padayachee examines critical issues of social change, political economy, and governance in democratic South Africa. It offers an in-depth exploration of the challenges and opportunities in building an equitable society, viewed through the lens of Vishnu’s intellectual, social, and political life.
Click here to read Guest speaker Professor Adam Habib's speech at the book launch.