This colloquium celebrates a special issue of the journal Review of AfricanPolitical Economy, honouring the life and work of leading African scholar-activist, former director of the Centre for African Studies, Prof. LungisileNtsebeza. Ntsebeza’s work has prominently featured in debates on the landquestion, rural local government and social movements in South Africa andAfrica more broadly. Ntsebeza’s work has not only been academic. He hasused his research on land and rural governance to inform and support thedaily struggles of communities in different parts of South Africa and thecontinent.