The late arts and culture innovator Zayd Minty was posthumously awarded his doctoral thesis today at the University of Cape Town PhD graduation. Minty passed away just 10 days before his thesis was submitted, following a diagnosis of motor neuron disease last year.
The mid-year graduation ceremony at UCT’s Sarah Baartman Hall witnessed the celebration of 104 inspirational PhD graduands, with Minty’s name holding a significant place as the first to be read.
Hailing from the Faculty of Humanities and affiliated with the Department of Environmental and Geographical Science, Minty was one of 19 PhD candidates. His research focused on the intriguing domain of urban cultural governance.
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According to News24, Minty’s career journey involved impactful roles in various cultural institutions. He reportedly served at the Robben Island Museum and the District Six Museum and held the position of coordinator at the Community Arts Trust between 1993 and 1996.
Moreover, he took on the directorship of Creative Cape Town, a prestigious programme under the Cape Town Partnership, before assuming the directorship of the City of Cape Town’s Arts and Culture Department. His leadership paved the way for the City to become the first municipality in the country to adopt an Arts, Culture and Creative Industries Policy.
Among those who collaborated closely with Minty was Laura Nkula-Wenz, who also served as one of his co-supervisors. She expressed deep sorrow at the news of his passing, which came so shortly after he had submitted his thesis for examination.
‘We were heartbroken to learn about his passing a mere 10 days after he submitted his thesis for examination,’ she said.
As per the request of Minty’s wife, Tali Tofas, Nkula-Wenz received the PhD on his behalf during the graduation ceremony.
Titled Urban Cultural Governance and the South African City: The Case of Johannesburg’s Newtown Cultural Precinct, Minty’s thesis is a comprehensive and qualitative longitudinal study that chronicles the evolution of Newtown as a prominent cultural centre over several decades.
Initiated in 2007, his PhD journey exemplified Minty’s innovative approach to arts and culture, where he constantly pushed boundaries and sought to effect meaningful change.
Nkula-Wenz said that he was not only an exceptional practitioner but also a dedicated student, committed to making a significant impact in the realm of policy.
‘He is dearly missed as a colleague, friend and co-conspirator,’ said Nkula-Wenz.
Minty’s absence is acutely felt by those who knew him well. Colleagues, friends and co-conspirators mourn the loss of a visionary and influential individual who left an indelible mark on the arts and culture landscape. His work and spirit continue to inspire and influence the field he loved so dearly.
As the academic community gathers to honour his memory, they will pay tribute to a man who embodied passion, dedication and a drive for positive transformation in society.
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Picture: Zayd Minty / Facebook