UJ and Haiti Unite for Historic Haitian Flag Day Commemoration During Africa Month

The University of Johannesburg (UJ), in partnership with the Embassy of the Republic of Haiti to South Africa, commemorated the 223rd Anniversary of the Haitian Flag on 18 May 2026 as part of Africa Month celebrations and ahead of Africa Day. Held under the theme Lòt Bò Dlo (“On the Other Side of the Water”), the event brought together diplomats, academics, students and cultural leaders to reflect on Pan African unity, diaspora identity and the growing partnership between Africa and the Caribbean. The commemoration followed the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between UJ and the Embassy of Haiti aimed at strengthening academic cooperation, innovation, research collaboration and international engagement between South Africa and Haiti. Led by UJ Vice-Chancellor and Principal Professor Letlhokwa George Mpedi and His Excellency Ambassador Jean Robert Pillard, the event highlighted the role of universities in advancing global partnerships, knowledge exchange and inclusive development across the Global South. The programme also honoured the historic significance of Haitian Flag Day and Haiti’s enduring connection to Africa as the world’s first free Black republic and the first independent state in the Caribbean.