John Makgala, UB Associate Professor

| Tuesday June 1, 2010 00:00

 

The 39 year old who describes himself as a middle-aged man says; 'I am just passionate about writing and research. I believe in back breaking hard work and iron self discipline.' Makgala has moved through the ranks since he joined the University as a lecturer in the department of history, Faculty of Humanities eight years ago.

He studied for his MPhil and Phd within two and a half years at Cambridge University before joining UB as a lecturer. He was promoted to senior lecturer in 2006 and four years down the line he has been given recognition as an associate professor. 'I am elated because it is recognition of hard work. For one to go through such a rigorous exercise needs to be celebrated. My friends, colleagues and family are very happy for me,' he said.

Makgala revealed that to be bestowed professor he had to publish a number of renowned journals locally and internationally. He has since published four books, mostly historical within a space of eight years.  His first book looked at conflicts within the political parties, and his second was on editing a book on the history of the manual workers union in Botswana. His third book was on Bakgatla ba ga Kgafela in Botswana and South Africa where he looked at how they were contributing to the socio economic development of the country. 'The fourth one is this novel that will be out very soon. In fact I went far beyond the requirements as to how they calculate their points to see if one deserved the title,' he said.

The fourth book that Makgala makes reference to is titled 'the Dixie Medicine Doctor'. The book was inspired by the critics of Alexander Mc Call Smith's  Number One Ladies Detective, which was later, turned into a television series.

'I am currently crazy about this novel that I am working on. It promotes Botswana because there was an issue raised from those novels that the author was over romanticising life here. I decided to come up with a more balanced novel as a citizen who has been raised in the country, well versed with the culture and also as a historian,' he said adding that the novel has a funny story line that will interest readers.

He has contributed nine chapters to books authored by other writers such as the one on the history of the manual workers union, the second university by Henin Melben on governance and state delivery with focus on Southern Africa more especially Botswana, Namibia and South Africa. He has provided some chapters for a book on the 40th anniversary of Independence and has also published 21 journal articles in local and international publications.

'I don't focus on one area. I write on different topics depending on issues of national concern at the time and try to address these from a historian's perspective,' he said adding that he is interested in the African National Congress, witchcraft and magic. 'The novel that I wrote was partly inspired by that. I am also interested in African history and African diaspora,' said Makgala.

He revealed that he has published 16 book reviews and is currently the editor of Botswana Notes and Records that is published by Botswana society. 'The requirements are extremely stringent and very regimental and can sometimes demoralise those who are aspiring to be professors,' he said.

He stated that currently there is a culture of renaissance where many tribes are actively resurrecting their cultural activities. 'It is a good thing and people are moving faster than government who need to respond appropriately to enhance this by assisting particularly if it is geared towards addressing moral degeneration,' he said, adding that communities must take initiatives for their cultures to be recognised.

On the changing political landscape with the recent split in the ruling party, Makgala said it is a welcome development, which was long overdue. 'It just took a long time. It was caused by the manner in which the leadership addresses conflicts and the way conflict resolutions are different from how they were before. The split strengthens the opposition and it is good for our democracy too,' he said adding that Botswana needs a system where power changes between parties and not have a predominant one party system.

He explained that UB staff should be allowed to actively participate in politics as they are well versed in many areas, are better leaders and could better influence decisions. 'Why should they be excluded from participatingThey are leaders in terms of knowledge and if anything, they should be encouraged to participate because it is a community service,' he said.

Makgala, who is married to Mahalapye born Mphume, said he has done his contribution academic wise and would like to retire within two years to concentrate on his writing. 'Research is becoming endangered at UB because those interested in it are in committees that are always in meetings. This hampers research and creative thinking.The system has to look into that. I would like to be in an institution where research is the core business,' he said.

Outside the UB campus, Makgala spends his weekend at his farm with his wife whom he describes as a keen gardener. 'I am an avid supporter of Mochudi Center Chiefs who were cheated last weekend. Overseas I am a big fan of Arsenal and when it loses I get hurt,' he said. In the upcoming World Cup that will be held in South Africa from June 11 to July 11, he explained that he would like to see an African country doing well and will be more sympathetic to Spain because of his favourite Arsenal player Cesc Febregas.