Iran and Cuba embassies arrive at the University of Pretoria (UP)

by | Apr 15, 2026

University of Pretoria, UP embassy events, Cuban embassy South Africa, Iranian embassy lecture, academic freedom debate, higher education South Africa, university political neutrality, Fidel and Mandela seminar, international relations education, campus diplomacy discussions, DISP UP events, critical academic engagement
University of Pretoria hosted Cuban and Iranian embassy events exploring history, politics, and international relations themes.

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The University of Pretoria held two events in March with the Cuban and Iranian embassies that are worth exploring. The event with the Cuban embassy took place on 24 March 2026 at the Javett Art Centre and was titled “Fidel and Mandela: The legacy of two great leaders.”

According to UP the “seminar was organised by UP’s Department of Internationalisation and Strategic Partnerships (DISP) in collaboration with the Embassy of Cuba in South Africa.”

The discussion looked the influence of both Castro and Mandela, particularly “commitment to education, social justice and international solidarity.”

At the event with the Iranian Embassy, diplomats spoke to students about Iran’s political system and the idea of what a regime means today. The session also explored relations between Iran and South Africa and was presented as a chance for students to learn more about global politics and their role in the future.

 

Analysis of the events

These March events have raised questions about how academic freedom is being applied at UP. One concern is not about whether difficult topics should be discussed, but whether they are being handled with enough balance and critical thinking. Is UP widening the discussion by involving embassies whose views may differ from those of Iran and Cuba?

From what we could work out, the seminar that explored Castro and Mandela did not expose attendees to issues such as political repression and economic hardship under Castro’s rule. Universities are expected to examine history in an honest and balanced way, rather than presenting one sided or overly positive views of controversial figures.

Although the Iranian session ostensibly formed part of an academic course, questions have been raised about whether students had enough opportunity to challenge what was presented. If there was limited time for difficult questions, the event may have come across as a one-sided message rather than an open academic discussion.

The involvement of the Vice Chancellor in the Cuban-UP seminar has added to the debate. While it is important to support open discussion, taking part in such an event can also be seen as a form of endorsement. This has led to concerns that the university may be sending mixed signals about its role and whether it is maintaining the balance needed to protect both academic freedom and its reputation.

 

UP’s response

We contacted the University of Pretoria for comment on these events and received the following statements.

Universities are spaces for rigorous debate, intellectual contestation, and the free exchange of ideas. A core responsibility of any university is to create platforms where diverse—and at times uncomfortable—perspectives can be examined critically. This is fundamental to academic freedom and to our role in fostering intellectual and personal development among students and staff.

[The Castro and Mandela event] was a public seminar, consistent with the University’s mandate to facilitate informed dialogue on historical and contemporary issues. Hosting such events does not constitute institutional endorsement. Rather, it enables audiences to engage, question, and form their own views. The University remains committed to enabling open, critical engagement while upholding academic standards. It is important that academic spaces are not constrained in ways that limit inquiry, debate, or the exploration of diverse perspectives.

[The Iranian Embassy lecture] was part of a formal academic module and attended only by registered students. It was not a public lecture or political event. The session focused specifically on the module’s academic theme—the intersection of politics and religion—using Iran as a case study. Students were clearly advised that the lecture was not related to the current US–Israel–Iran conflict and that discussion should remain within the academic scope of the module. As with all guest lectures, the session included an opportunity for critical engagement through a structured Q&A.

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