In a recent address at an African National Congress (ANC) event, South African President Cyril Ramaphosa delivered a compelling message, emphasizing the critical need for decolonizing education across the African continent. Known for his dedication to pan-Africanism and peace advocacy, Ramaphosa spoke passionately to a diverse audience, underscoring the significance of challenging colonial theories and practices to establish resilient education systems rooted in African perspectives and experiences.
The ANC, born during the Pan-Africanism movement, has a historical commitment to the cause of a united Africa. Nelson Mandela, an international symbol and ANC key figure, set the precedent for the party’s devotion to pan-Africanism. At the recent event, Ramaphosa acknowledged the organization’s roots and restated its dedication to fostering unity among African nations.
“The project of decolonizing education in Africa is not just a matter of academic interest. It is a pressing need,” declared Ramaphosa, highlighting the profound impact of European colonization on the continent’s education system. Eurocentric perspectives often dominated, dismissing indigenous knowledge as uncivilized.
Ramaphosa continued, stating, “Europeans brought us their education, and anything African was regarded as uncivilized. The education that blacks are taught is Eurocentric.” This critique aligns with the ANC’s historical struggle against colonial oppression.
Calling for a paradigm shift away from the Eurocentric worldview, Ramaphosa advocated for a more diverse and inclusive approach to education. “We must acknowledge and value the knowledge systems of all peoples and integrate them into our curricula and knowledge selection processes,” he asserted.
This call for decolonization resonates with the global discourse on inclusivity in education. Ramaphosa’s emphasis on embracing a variety of perspectives and experiences aims to build a more comprehensive understanding of the world, fostering unity and mutual respect among diverse communities.
The ANC, deeply rooted in the Pan-Africanism movement, stands at the forefront of this educational transformation. As the call for decolonization gains momentum, leaders like Cyril Ramaphosa continue to advocate for a future where African education reflects the rich tapestry of the continent’s history, cultures, and contributions to the global narrative.
The project of decolonising education in Africa is not just a matter of academic interest. It is a pressing need. We must challenge colonial theories and practices to build resilient education systems that are centred on African perspectives and experiences.
This requires a… https://t.co/oQ7eCXtbxt— Cyril Ramaphosa 🇿🇦 (@CyrilRamaphosa) November 21, 2023