Dr Sechaba Maape
Hosted by the School of Architecture and supported by the Milde McWilliams Trust, the annual lecture is one of the most significant events on the School's calendar.
Since its inception in 2007, it has provided a platform for the exchange of architectural thought at the highest level.
The lecture honours the legacy of Albert Milde and architect Herbert McWilliams, whose influence helped shape the architectural heritage of Gqeberha.
This year's lecture, titled "Semiotic Architecture: Learning from Caves and Whirlwinds", will be presented by Dr Maape, a senior lecturer at the Wits School of Architecture and Planning, director of the design practice Afreetekture, and editor of Architectures’ SA.
School of Architecture Director Andrew Palframan says the Milde McWilliams Memorial Lecture continues to play a vital role in exposing students and the profession to diverse perspectives that challenge and enrich contemporary architectural thinking.
"The Milde McWilliams Memorial Lecture provides a unique opportunity for students, academics, professionals and the public to engage with leading voices whose work is shaping conversations about the future of the built environment.”
He adds that Dr Maape's scholarship and practice bring an important perspective to these conversations.
"Dr Maape's work encourages us to think critically about where architectural knowledge comes from and how Indigenous Knowledge Systems can inform more sustainable, inclusive and contextually responsive futures."
Widely recognised for his work exploring the relationship between architecture, Indigenous Knowledge Systems, culture and sustainability, Dr Maape's research examines how local knowledge and lived experience can contribute to more meaningful and resilient built environments. His work spans research, teaching and professional practice, bringing together heritage, contemporary design and emerging technologies.
In 2023, he served as a co-curator and exhibitor for the South African Pavilion at the Venice Architecture Biennale, where he explored themes of ancestral landscapes, ritual space and digital representation. More recently, his research has investigated the intersection of Indigenous Knowledge Systems and generative artificial intelligence, asking how African architectural principles might help shape future environments rather than simply reproducing established design models.
The theme of this year's lecture is particularly relevant as architects and planners increasingly seek design approaches that respond to environmental, cultural and social challenges.
Through the lens of "caves and whirlwinds", Dr Maape invites audiences to reflect on how ancient knowledge, natural systems and cultural memory can offer valuable insights for contemporary architectural practice.
The School of Architecture anticipates strong interest from students, alumni, professionals and members of the public, continuing a tradition that has, over nearly two decades, attracted some of the most respected voices in architecture from South Africa and beyond.
Event Details
Milde McWilliams Memorial Lecture 2026
Speaker: Dr Sechaba Maape
Topic: Semiotic Architecture: Learning from Caves and Whirlwinds
Date: 3 September 2026
Time: 17:30
Venue: Main Auditorium, Summerstrand South Campus, Nelson Mandela University