Wits University honours celebrated Cameroonian scholar, Prof. Achille Mbembe
By Hans Ngala
Cameroonian philosopher and political theorist, Professor Achille Mbember has been recognized by Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa for his contributions to modern society.
At an event hosted on the university’s campus, Professor Mbembe was described by the vice-chancellor or Wits, Professor Zeblon Vilakazi as “one of the most brilliant minds of our generation”.
In addition to being one of the most cited scholars in modern times, Vilakazi also said “legacy has reminded us that the pursuit of knowledge is not just an intellectual exercise but a moral obligation—a commitment to seek out justice, to confront uncomfortable truths, and to imagine better futures”.
“What I admire most about Prof. Mbembe is how he balances his intellectual rigorousness with humility and generosity. His mentorship of young scholars is a reminder that true excellence isn’t just about personal achievement – it’s about lifting others up,” said Professor Mucha Musemwa, dean of the Faculty of Humanities at Wits.
In June this year, Professor Achille Mbembe received The Holberg Prize at the University of Bergen in Norway. The coveted award which came in the sum of 525,000 Euros (or about 345 Million FCFA) was offered by the Norwegian government to Mbembe “for his pioneering research in African history, postcolonial studies, humanities, and social science over four decades”, a statement on Wits University’s website stated back in June. CNA reported on the award at the time.
Professor Mbembe who is a French-speaking Cameroonian but also fluent in English, has been a harsh critic of Cameroon’s Paul Biya, urging him to solve the Anglophone Crisis that has been rocking the Anglophone Regions for nearly a decade now.
He holds a PhD in History from the University of Sorbonne, Paris in 1989 and has held teaching positions at Columbia University, Yale University, Harvard University, the University of California, Berkeley and the University of Pennsylvania among others.
Professor Achille Mbembe currently teaches at Wits University in Johannesburg, South Africa and is also a visiting lecturer at Duke University in the US.
