On 23 March 2023, the Faculty of Humanities at the University of Pretoria in collaboration with the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC) hosted the launch of the book, The Texture of Dissent: Defiant Public Intellectuals in South Africa (2022) at the Javett-UP Arts Centre.

The Texture of Dissent was edited by Prof Narnia Bohler-Muller, the Divisional Executive of the HSRC, Prof Vasu Reddy, the Dean of Humanities at UP, Dr Gregory Houston, the Chief of Research Specialist from the HSRC, Prof Maxi Schoeman and Dr Heather Thuynsma both from UP’s Department of Political Sciences. This is the second volume in a developing series profiling South African public intellectuals, the first volume, titled The Fabric of Dissent: Public Intellectuals in South Africa, was released in 2020. The most recently released volume outlines the different patterns of disruption that are evident in the work, creativity, outlook and actions of individuals who have been identified as public intellectuals. The Texture of Dissent also provides insight into the differing contexts and issues that shaped the lives of these individuals.

UP’s Prof Sunil Maharaj, Vice-Principal: Research, Innovation and Postgraduate Education, opened the event with Dr Sithembile Mbete from the Department of Political Sciences facilitating the launch. Prof Vasu Reddy explained the origins of the book series and the philosophy behind the project and Prof Narnia Bohler-Muller described the contents of this volume. Prof Zintombizethu Matebeni, SAChl Chair of the University of Fort Hare, Prof Crain Soudien, the former CEO of the HSRC and Dr Gregory Houston joined the discussion to share their thoughts on the new volume and the public intellectual project.

Congratulations to all those involved in the writing, editing and publishing of The Texture of Dissent! Both volumes are available to purchase in Bookmark, the bookstore on UP’s Hatfield Campus as well as in the gift shop of the Javett-UP Arts Centre.