African Postgraduate Education – Book Launch and Colloquium at UKZN

African Postgraduate Education – Book Launch and Colloquium at UKZN. The College of Humanities at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) recently played host to a groundbreaking event – a one-day colloquium coupled with the launch of a significant literary contribution titled “Transforming Postgraduate Education in Africa”. This event, held on February 23rd, marked a pivotal moment in the discourse surrounding higher education on the continent.

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Insights from the Colloquium and Book Launch

At the forefront of this online event were the esteemed editors of the book, Professor Michael Samuel from the UKZN School of Education, and Professor Hyleen Mariaye from the Mauritius Institute of Education. Their collaborative effort brought together a diverse array of contributors and academics, transcending geographical boundaries to include voices from Mauritius, Zambia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Rwanda, Mozambique, Kenya, Namibia, Germany, Australia, the United Kingdom, India, Chile, and of course, South Africa.

A Platform for Diverse Perspectives

The book, a part of the UKZN Humanities Institute project, the Alternation African Scholarship Book Series (AASBS), spearheaded by Professor Johannes A (Jannie) Smit, Chair and Director of the Institute, serves as a beacon of hope for African higher education. With 11 chapters filled with original research, it challenges existing narratives that often overshadow the potential of the African continent and its higher education systems.

A Call for Transformation

Throughout the colloquium, participants delved into the heart of the matter, exploring innovative approaches to curriculum design, research management, and supervision within the realm of postgraduate education. Embracing a deep transformative agenda, the discussions emphasized the importance of social justice, redress, and social reconstruction in reshaping the African higher education landscape.

Reimagining Success

Central to the discourse was the notion of redefining success within the context of African postgraduate education. Rejecting Western-centric models, the colloquium advocated for a values-based approach, one that prioritizes collaboration, reciprocity, and respect across disciplinary, institutional, and geographical boundaries.

Looking Forward: A Campaign for Social Justice

As Professor Samuel articulated, the colloquium and the accompanying book serve as catalysts for change, igniting a campaign for greater social justice within academia. By challenging conventional boundaries and fostering a culture of dialogue and collaboration, the event laid the groundwork for future research endeavors aimed at advancing postgraduate education in Africa.

Conclusion

In essence, the UKZN Book Launch and Colloquium on Transforming Postgraduate Education in Africa have set the stage for a paradigm shift in the way we perceive and approach higher education on the continent. By embracing diversity, innovation, and a commitment to social justice, the participants have paved the way for a brighter, more inclusive future for African academia.

As the book continues to serve as an open access resource, its insights will undoubtedly inspire generations of scholars to come, propelling Africa towards new heights of academic excellence and societal impact.