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This work aims to redefine the concept of public intellectuals in South Africa and their role in society. It questions the traditional associations of intellectualism with universities and formal institutions.

May 24, 2026Open Access

Intellectual liberation: public intellectuals in South Africa

Key Points

This work aims to redefine the concept of public intellectuals in South Africa and their role in society. It questions the traditional associations of intellectualism with universities and formal institutions.
Analyzes the definitions and perceptions of public intellectuals in the South African context.
Debunks myths surrounding the development and roles of intellectuals confined to academic settings.
Finds that public intellectuals contribute significantly to political freedom.
Identifies that a broader understanding of public intellectuals includes various non-academic voices.
Suggests that these intellectuals play a crucial role in pursuing social justice and the public good.

Abstract

Who is an intellectual? More importantly, who and what constitutes a public intellectual? And are such distinctions necessary given South Africa's context and our international relationships? What constitutes the public good, and is the public intellectual a force for good? Most people incorrectly assume that intellectuals, as free-roving pursuers of knowledge, are developed only in universities and research councils. Such myths need to be debunked and a wider conception of the "public intellectual" introduced; one that encompasses multiple meanings and includes those who work on behalf of the public and for the public good because, as we hope to show in this volume, such "intellectuals" pursue political freedom and social justice.

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