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To improve education in South Africa, teachers need to be aware of the contextual factors that affect
life and education. The lived realities as experienced by our society or communities provide a
background to understand challenges from their unique contexts. We need an African philosophy of
education that is based on and articulates these lived realities. This philosophy could become a
useful tool that provides a perspective to define and address problems. This approach can improve
education and life on different levels. (Higgs, 2003)
The reality experienced by a diverse African community suggests a spirit of communality as
expressed in an indigenous African knowledge system. General unifying themes describe concepts
in African philosophy that are related to education. To complete this portfolio, it is important that you
understand these concepts.
Read the information in the following table. The concept is explained first and the principles
underlying or supporting the concept follow. To ensure that you understand the information, explain
it in your own words in one sentence in the space provided.
To complete this portfolio, it is important that you understand the concepts described below.
General themes or concepts that are important for educators in South Africa
1. Decolonisation (Education)
An active process to change the Western-dominated philosophy and approach to education to a
balanced approach where indigenous knowledge and pedagogies are acknowledged and
genuinely incorporated into the formal educational system. Multiple perspectives are included to
make education relevant and practical to address needs and challenges within specific contexts.
(Owuor:2007)
Principles: Mkabela – An African approach to education
Own understanding of the concept and examples of implementation and teaching practice.
Decolonization in education is indeed an active process aimed at shifting the dominance of
Western ideologies and practices within education towards a more balanced approach. This
balanced approach seeks to acknowledge, respect, and incorporate indigenous knowledge
systems and pedagogies into formal education systems. The goal is to make education more
relevant and practical, addressing the specific needs and challenges within diverse cultural
contexts.
One principle that embodies this approach is "Mkabela," which represents an African perspective
on education. It emphasizes the importance of community involvement, holistic learning, and the
integration of traditional knowledge and practices into educational frameworks.
Implementing decolonization in education involves various strategies and practices, such as:
• Pedagogical Approaches: Adopting teaching methods that are inclusive and respectful of
diverse cultural backgrounds. This may involve using storytelling, experiential learning,
and community-based projects to engage students and connect learning to their lived
experiences.
• Teacher Training: Providing professional development opportunities for teachers to learn
about decolonial approaches and strategies for incorporating indigenous knowledge into
their teaching practice. This can help teachers become more culturally responsive and
aware of the diverse needs of their students.
• Community Engagement: Collaborating with local communities and elders to incorporate
their knowledge and perspectives into educational practices. This can include inviting
guest speakers, organizing cultural exchanges, and involving community members in
curriculum development.
• Resource Development: Creating or adapting educational resources, such as books,
videos, and teaching materials, that reflect diverse cultural perspectives and histories.
This ensures that students have access to materials that are relevant and meaningful to
their cultural identity.
By implementing these principles and practices, educators can work towards creating a more
inclusive, culturally responsive, and empowering educational environment that values and
respects diverse ways of knowing and learning.
2. African communalism:
Community and belonging to a community are an important aspect of African life. An individual
is conceptualised in terms of their connectedness in a community. Letseka (2000).
Principles: Individuals are interdependent. Human relationships are important. Content and
knowledge must be useful for practice.
Own understanding of concept and examples of implementation and teaching practice.
African communalism emphasizes the significance of community and belonging within African
societies. It views individuals not as isolated entities but as interconnected members of a
community. This philosophy values the idea that an individual's identity and well-being are deeply
rooted in their relationships with others and the community as a whole.
One key principle of African communalism is the belief in interdependence. This principle
recognizes that individuals rely on each other for support, collaboration, and mutual aid. Another
In education, implementing African communalism involves creating a learning environment that
reflects these principles. This can include:
• Collaborative Learning: Promoting collaborative learning activities where students work
together to achieve common goals. This not only fosters a sense of community but also
helps students develop teamwork and communication skills.
• Community Involvement: Engaging the local community in the education process by inviting
community members to share their knowledge, skills, and experiences with students. This
can help students see the relevance of their learning to real-life situations and foster a sense
of belonging to the community.
• Emphasis on Relationships: Building strong relationships between teachers and students
based on trust, respect, and care. This can create a supportive learning environment where
students feel valued and motivated to learn.
• Practical Knowledge: Emphasizing the practical application of knowledge and skills learned
in the classroom. This can help students see the relevance of their learning to their everyday
lives and future aspirations.
• Cultural Relevance: Integrating cultural practices, traditions, and perspectives into the
curriculum to make learning more meaningful and culturally relevant to students.
Overall, embracing African communalism in education can help create a learning environment that
is inclusive, supportive, and empowering, where students feel connected to their community and
are motivated to learn and grow together.
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