The University of Johannesburg, in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti in South Africa, commemorated the 223rd Anniversary of the Haitian Flag Day in an evening that reflected on Haiti’s enduring legacy of freedom, sovereignty, and resilience, while strengthening ties between Africa, the Caribbean, and the broader global community.
Hosted by Letlhokwa Mpedi, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the University of Johannesburg, and Jean R. Pillard, Ambassador of the Republic of Haiti to South Africa, the commemorative ceremony brought together members of the diplomatic corps, government representatives, academics, students, and invited guests in celebration of shared histories, cultural exchange, and international collaboration.
The formal programme was led by Prof. Bongani Ngqulunga, Senior Executive Director: University Relations, Student Affairs and UJ Sport, and featured remarks from several distinguished diplomatic representatives, including:
- H.E. André Nzapayeke, Dean of the African Group and Ambassador of the Central African Republic
- H.E. Jean Ocampos, Dean of GRULAC and Ambassador of Paraguay
- H.E. Jamie Christoff, Dean of North America and High Commissioner of Canada
- H.E. Mzolisa Bona, representative of South Africa’s Department of International Relations and Cooperation
The speakers reflected on Haiti’s revolutionary history as the world’s first independent Black republic and its continued global significance in conversations around liberation, human dignity, sovereignty, and Pan-African solidarity.
The event also highlighted the importance of diplomacy and higher education in fostering cooperation between nations of the Global South, with several speakers emphasizing the need for stronger academic partnerships, cultural exchange programmes, and collaborative research initiatives between institutions in Haiti, South Africa, and the wider African continent.
Haiti’s Revolutionary Legacy and Global Historical Significance
Observed annually on 18 May, Haitian Flag Day commemorates the creation of the Haitian flag during the Haitian Revolution in 1803, when revolutionary leaders united the blue and red colours into a single national symbol representing resistance, unity, and liberation.
The evening repeatedly reflected on the importance of the Haitian Revolution as one of the most transformative events in modern history. Haiti’s independence in 1804 established the first Black republic in the world and marked a decisive victory against slavery and colonialism.
Speakers noted that Haiti’s revolution extended beyond the Caribbean and became a symbol of hope and resistance for oppressed peoples globally, particularly across Africa and the African diaspora.
Vice-Chancellor Prof Letlhokwa Mpedi: “The Story of Haiti is an African Story”
Delivering one of the evening’s keynote addresses, Letlhokwa Mpedi reflected on the deep historical and emotional ties between Haiti and Africa.
Professor Mpedi stated that Haiti’s revolutionary story cannot be separated from Africa, as the Haitian Revolution was carried forward by descendants of Africans who refused to surrender their identity, dignity, and memory despite slavery and displacement.
“The story of Haiti is an African story,” he remarked, emphasizing that Haiti’s revolution represented not only liberation for one nation, but resistance on behalf of Africans across the world who had suffered under slavery and colonial oppression.
The Vice-Chancellor also highlighted the University of Johannesburg’s commitment to building an African-centred global institution rooted in societal impact, international engagement, and knowledge production that serves humanity beyond institutional boundaries.
He stressed the importance of technology, education, and global partnerships in connecting communities and creating opportunities for collaboration between Africa and the Caribbean.
Professor Mpedi concluded by reaffirming UJ’s commitment to strengthening relations with Haiti and welcomed members of the Haitian community as part of the university family.
Ambassador Jean R. Pillard’s Powerful Address: “LÒT BÒ DLO – The Great Return”
The centrepiece of the evening was the keynote address delivered by Jean R. Pillard under the theme “LÒT BÒ DLO: The Great Return.”
Opening his speech with the words, “Today, we do not commemorate a flag. We commemorate a decision,” Ambassador Pillard delivered a deeply philosophical reflection on sovereignty, memory, identity, and historical continuity between Haiti and Africa.
The Ambassador described the Haitian flag as a political act born during the revolution of 1803, symbolizing unity among a people determined to organize themselves into a sovereign state.
He argued that Haiti’s story did not begin with independence in 1804, but before the Atlantic crossing, with Africans who carried knowledge, spirituality, discipline, and culture across generations despite the violence of slavery.
“Haiti is not outside of Africa’s story,” Ambassador Pillard declared. “It stands within it.”
Referencing the Haitian expression “Lòt bò dlo nan Ginen” (“Beyond the waters, in Africa”), Ambassador Pillard reflected on the enduring spiritual and historical connection between Haiti and the African continent.
He described the transatlantic slave trade as “a rupture,” while emphasizing that the bond between Haiti and Africa was never fully broken.
Remembering the Victims of the 2010 Haiti Earthquake
A particularly emotional moment of the evening came as Ambassador Pillard paid tribute to the victims of the devastating 2010 Haiti earthquake, which claimed more than 200,000 lives.
He announced plans for a future monument to be established on African soil in honour of those lost in the earthquake, as well as all Africans whose lives were shaped by the transatlantic slave trade.
According to the Ambassador, the monument will stand as a symbol of remembrance, reconnection, and return between Africa and the Caribbean.
“It is not only a memorial,” he said. “It is a return.”
Academic and Diplomatic Engagements Beyond the Ceremony
The evening also reflected on the significance of academic and diplomatic engagements hosted earlier in the day between the University of Johannesburg and the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti.
The engagements focused on strengthening opportunities for academic collaboration, student exchanges, research partnerships, and broader international engagement between Haiti, South Africa, and institutions across the African continent.
Through dialogue, diplomacy, and cultural exchange, the commemoration reinforced the importance of international partnerships in advancing knowledge-sharing, mutual understanding, and cooperation across the Global South.
A Celebration of History, Identity and International Solidarity
Beyond the ceremonial raising of the Haitian flag, the evening became a broader reflection on identity, liberation, historical continuity, and the enduring relationship between Africa and the Caribbean.
From discussions on sovereignty and human dignity to calls for stronger academic and diplomatic cooperation, the commemoration demonstrated how historical memory continues to shape contemporary international relations.
As Ambassador Pillard concluded:
“The flag we raise today is not an introduction. It is a continuation.”
And through that continuation, the evening reaffirmed that Haiti’s story remains deeply connected to Africa’s story — across oceans, generations, and history itself.
