1N E N D I L A N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F V E N D A

NendilaNEWSLETTER OF THE UNIVERS I TY OF VENDA

JUNE 2016

University of Venda

Read insideDakalo Vincent Ramufhi did it… 2#rise young woman…rise 2An expert in anything was once a beginner 2Blessed is the hand that gives 2Making the right choices – Univen hosts career exhibition 3Employees’ health a priority – Univen 3High profile politician a Univen student 31st Teaching and learning indaba held 3Keeping our campus clean 3Mining engineering programme for Univen 4Traditional leadership seminar a success 4Univen promotes intellectual development 4Showcasing African unity in diversity 4Managing comprehensive internationalisation 4Plans for 2nd international research conference underway 5First series of Human and Social Sciences lectures 5Univen celebrates Zimbabwe Independence Day 52017 Univen applications now open 5Coloniality must fall: A fanonian meditation on blackness and whiteness 6 SRC donates food parcels and sanitary towels to needy students 6

Centre of Excellence status in the offing for School of Agriculture

Well done Univen – National Research Foundation CEO

Students Say NO to cheating during exams

“Arrangements are at an advanced stage to elevate Univen’s School of Agriculture to a Centre of Excellence,” says Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati.

Speaking at the Regional Universities Forum for capacity building in Agriculture (Ruforum) secretariat at the Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda, Mbati said the collaboration between Univen and Ruforum supports a vibrant agricultural sector linked to universities across Eastern, Central and Southern Africa.

“The member universities strengthen capacity and unlock external funding opportunities to support their work, with a particular focus on training a critical mass of masters and PhD graduates. These graduates are responsive to stakeholder needs and national as well as regional development goals.”

Univen became a full member of Ruforum two years ago and Mbati serves on its executive board.

Ruforum faci l i tates teaching and research assistantships. Univen will host staff members of other member universities as part of the graduate teaching assistantship. In turn, Univen will send staff for training.

During the visit, Univen’s linkage with Makerere University was also strengthened with the exploration of the Makerere Colleges of Agricultural and Environmental Sciences and Natural Sciences. Univen’s Centre for Excellence in Animal Assisted Reproduction fostered a linkage with the Makerere College of Veterinary Medicine, Animal Resources and BioSecurity.

The partnership between the two universities will be formalised during the Ruforum biennial conference in Cape Town in October. The conference, which Univen will co-host, will discuss strategies to strengthen the African higher education agricultural sector and link them more closely with economic development.

“My brief tour around campus made my jaw drop because the campus is like a construction site,” says National Research Foundation Chief Executive Officer, Dr Molapo Qhobela.

Visiting the Univen campus recently, Qhobela said the university should write a book about its developments of the past ten years so that those who come after can see what it looked like before.

“It is not every day that we write about the successes of an institution that has in many ways transformed itself. It is valuable to reflect on this, as there will be many people who will come after us who will not always appreciate what it takes to build. It is very easy to destroy, but to build is very hard,”said Qhobela.

“Univen’s research units were a single digit during the mid-90s, going up to the present 0.71 per capita. Many institutions can learn from the university’s efficiency and effectiveness.

“We struggle when we do not have quality leadership, but we succeed when we have it - it is important to recognise that.”

“In ten years Univen demonstrated that good leadership, adequate resource allocation and a dedicated focus on the academic core project are critical ingredients in repositioning a rural based institution,” said Univen’s Vice Chancellor and Principal, Prof Peter Mbati.

“Our recently introduced transformation charter is different from other universities as it focuses on quality education. The Depar tment o f Higher Education and Training is injecting millions of Rands towards Univen’s infrastructure development. This has contributed to immense improvement in the quality of teaching and learning at the university.

“Univen has excellent researchers. If we can get support and funding we are ready to produce quality research work. We need role players like the National Research Foundation to grow quality teaching and learning,” he said.

“Walk the true transformation path with us and other historically black universities. At the very least, ensure an equitable share of resources for research funding, allocation of research chairs and bursaries for postgraduate students. Postgraduate students should get all the support they need by creating an environment that promotes growth and sustained research.”

“Univen should pay attention to the quality of graduates it produces and what they do after completing their studies. It is the quality of research that matters to the National Research Foundation, not the quantity,” said Qhobela.

“Cheating will not take you anywhere in life,” says the SRC Minister of Sports, Maanda “Eazzy” Mudau.

Speaking at the recent anti-exam cheating campaign, Mudau said it is a habit that is becoming all too common among students and ultimately we have become a society that lacks moral fibre.

The campaign, organised by the SRC Department of Sports, took place just a day before the university’s May/June exams commenced

“I am neither perfect nor a saint. I am not here to judge anybody but to advise you about the dangers of cheating during exams and also to encourage you to study hard,” said Mudau.

The campaign warned students about the dangers of being caught cheating during exams. Culprits

face a minimum suspension of five years without being able to enrol at any registered tertiary institution in South Africa.

“You had the whole semester to prepare – is it worth suspension, is it worth putting your entire life on hold by cheating?”

Students were entertained by an educational drama performed by the university’s drama team, portraying the dangers of cheating during exams.

“There is no secret to success. It is a result of preparation, hard work and learning from failure. Together we can put an end to cheating but it should all start with us,” said Mudau.

Hundreds of students vowed that they would never cheat during their exams.

“Elevating Univen’s School of Agriculture to a Centre of Excellence” - Mbati.

Learning about the facilities at Makerere University in Kampala, Uganda.

“We succeed when we

have quality leadership” -

Qhobela.

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#rise young woman…rise

An expert in anything was once a beginner

Blessed is the hand that gives

“Being a woman does not mean you have second hand brains, it does not mean that you cannot lead. Do not look down upon yourself just because you’re a woman - rise young woman rise.”These were the words of Univen’s first female professor, Prof Elelwani Khuba, during the launch of the Women in Leadership annual dialogue.

“As young as you are, you must study hard to be respected in society and not be discouraged because you are a woman.”

“We cannot talk about being free if a grown man can still murder a nine year-old girl just outside our campus. We must also address the myth that if you sleep with a young virgin girl, you will be cured of HIV. And what stops us from protesting against rapists?” said Limpopo’s MEC for Health, Dr Phophi Ramathuba.

“I do not admit that if you’re wearing a mini skirt you’re applying to be raped. If I want to be beautiful by wearing a mini skirt, let me be. The only way to empower a girl child is through education. I want to see all of you who are members of the Student Representative Council cabinet, holding powerful positions in our government one day. It is only education that can make a child of a domestic worker become a doctor or a lawyer. It is money that pays for school fees, not position.”

She praised Univen’s SRC cabinet for having female students in leadership roles.

“It is rare for a university to have a woman president and another woman as her deputy in the SRC cabinet. I want to see more of you holding leadership roles in our society. Where a woman is in charge you see success, not undermining our male counterparts.”

SRC President, Mashudu Nthulane, encouraged fellow students to stick together and help each other to succeed.

“As young women we must not be afraid of occupying leadership positions, whether in politics, society or churches. A student residence will be named in Prof Elelwani Khuba’s honour.”

Prominent women who attended the launch inc luded mot ivat ional speaker Humbelani Netshandama, Lishaba Tshiamo, Manager ICON Brand and Reneilwe Mashabela, Basic Education Member of Parliament in Limpopo.

To induct and orientate Univen interns on policies, processes and procedures and future plans of the university, they were recently put through their orientation paces.

“Be self-disciplined, hardworking, have a positive attitude, accept constructive criticism, have respect for your mentors and always strive to acquire innovative and technological skills,” said Univen’s Deputy Vice Chancellor: Operations, Dr Jannie Zaaiman.

“We need people with good qualities for the country to succeed in its plan for a better South Africa,” said the Director of Human Resources, Tshililo Manenzhe.

“Acquire skills and knowledge to compete in the labour market.”

“Courage does not mean the absence of fear, it means going on despite the fact that you are afraid,” said the Head of Support Services and mentor at the Information Technology Department, Chief Nkhumbuleni Ratshitanga. “Align your goals with those of the university.”

Other speakers highlighted that the success of the relationship between a mentor and a mentee lies in effective communication. Interns were advised to brand themselves and be proactive.

As part of every year’s humanitarian activities, Univen recently engaged on a door-to-door campaign to solicit donations to be handed to the drop centres at Sterkstroom in Malavuwe and the Tshikonelo home-based care at Tshikonelo Village.

Donations were made in the form of food, stationery, clothes and money.

“We believe leaders are not only born, but are born and developed,” said the organising secretary, Ramulongo Brownlley. “Children will grow, eager to become servant leaders.”

The audience was taken by surprise as Wonder Mitileni cited a poem on democracy and the Bi l l of Rights. This 13-year old explained democracy and rights like a final year Law student.

“Study hard and do not be discouraged because you are a woman” - Khuba.

#rise young woman…rise.

Committed to Univen – interns being put through the paces.

It is always better to give.

“It is possible through dedication and hard work” - Ramufhi.

Dakalo Vincent Ramufhi did it…“I am very excited. I felt like a rock star. I could not believe that the crowd was cheering so loud for me.”

These were the words of Dakalo Vincent Ramufhi - the best performing overall student of the University of Venda in 2015.

Ramufhi won the Senate Medallion and went away with a laptop and R24 500. He obtained his Bachelor of Science cum laude in the school of Mathematical and Natural Sciences.

Ramufhi, who comes from the Vuvha Village in Nzhelele said “it was very difficult since I had to travel by bus to the university every day.”

In 2014 he received a certificate during the vice chancellor’s student excellence awards. This motivated him to score even higher marks than before.

“My fellow brothers and sisters, I encourage you to work hard because it is possible to get a Senate Medallion through dedication and hard work,” said Ramufhi.

He is currently doing his internship at the African Institute of Mathematical Sciences School Enrichment Centre.

He started his primary school at the Magauda Primary School. In grade 6 he moved to Happy Day Combined School where he was later promoted from Grade 8 to 9 because of hard work. He later moved to Northern Academy where he matriculated.

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Employees’ health a priority – Univen

High profile politician a Univen student

Some 17 000 learners from 184 schools in the Vhembe District recently attended the

annual career exhibition hosted by Univen and the Career Exhibition and Information Association in partnership with the Vhembe District Department of Education.

One of the learners, Thompho Kwinda, who is currently enrolled for Grade 12 at Rambuda Secondary School, said: “I received information about what I must do to be accepted at the university of my choice next year. My dream is to see myself studying towards an LLB degree at Univen.”

Off ic ial ly opening the exhibit ion, Univen’s Development Officer, Bali Makhado, said the exhibition empowers young people to make informed decisions about their careers.

“We cannot still complain about the shortage of skills in the country. It is up to us all to help our learners to brand themselves. No country can really develop unless its citizens are educated.”

“Exhibitions are not out of fashion as the new South Africa needs more entrepreneurs, artisans and other professionals to build and maintain a professional state,” said the Department of Education representative, Gideon Ramulifho.

The Vhembe District produced the top three schools in the province in 2015.

“The most important part is to empower our fellow brothers and sisters who are coming from different schools to seek our guidance,” said the President of the Careers Exhibition and Information Association, Bongi Dladlama.

More than 32 institutions of higher learning exhibited and interacted with learners throughout the week. The purpose of the exhibition is to guide learners on how to choose their careers and to get information about careers and entry requirements of institutions to further their studies. Exhibitors provide career information and guide learners towards making informed career choices.

Making the right choices – Univen hosts career exhibition

Prioritising the health of its employees, Univen hosted Employee Wellness Day recently.

The day started with a fun walk, led by the Head of Organisational Development and Training, Patrick Rachidi. It was attended by institutions like Bonitas Medical Aid, Discovery, Best Med, Old Mutual, Khan Optometrist, Alexander Forbes and Edu Loan who offered free professional health support and services.

“Even though I exercise almost every day, I felt very tired after the fun walk but it is good for my health,” said Ms Marita Sotho, a gardener who walked away with the top prize.

“When I arrived at work today, I was feeling pain in my right hand but after participating in the aerobics, I felt much better. I was also screened for various diseases, including high blood pressure and HIV and Aids,” said Ms Sarah Tshivhase.

The aerobics class was conducted by professional trainers from Gym 4u.

The aim of the day is to educate employees about the optimal state of their health. It can be attained through physical exercise, eating well, sleeping and resting according to one’s body’s needs. Furthermore, one should pay attention to the signs and symptoms of diseases and seek treatment when needed.

Mr Joe Maswanganyi has registered for a second masters degree, in Political Science, with the University of Venda.

Maswanganyi obtained a Bachelor of Arts from Unisa and a teacher’s diploma from Tivumbeni College. Before enrolling for the current degree with Univen, he completed a masters degree in Governance and Transformation from the University of the Free State.

Maswanganyi served in various government leadership positions in the Limpopo Province before joining parliament. He served as Member of the Executive Council of the Limpopo Provincial Government for the Departments of Local Government and Housing and Sport, Arts and Culture.

He is currently researching the synergy between tourism and politics to demonstrate how tourism contributes towards the development of the economy of Limpopo. Tourism is an important economic and social activity - both in the provincial and national economy.

Maswanganyi was born in Dzwerani Village in the Vhembe District. However, due to the forced removals of the apartheid government, his family was moved to Mudabula Village, to pave the way for the creation of the Venda homeland.

He plans to enrol for a doctoral degree in Political Science with Univen.

“For a curriculum to be of quality, the manner in which it is delivered should be considered strongly.”

With these words, Univen’s Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic, Prof Jan Crafford set the ball rolling for the university’s first teaching and learning indaba.

“Just as important, is student evaluation of modules and support activities as contributing factors to quality in teaching and learning.”

Guest speakers from the Universities of Pretoria and Limpopo shared the value of technology in increasing student engagement in higher education and how staff and student support development initiatives are executed in institutions of higher education.

Univen’s Dr Cebisa Nesamvuni shared the importance of evaluation in higher education and how Univen academics ought to respond to student evaluation reports from the Academic Development Unit.

Another Univen academic, Dr Memory Mabika, emphasised how academics can better interact with mentors in different modules. Experiences shared by speakers encouraged delegates to consider using student support programmes to improve the pass rate in modules.

The indaba was hosted by Univen’s Academic Development Unit of the Centre for Higher Education Teaching and Learning.

Univen helping grade 12 learners to make the right career choices.

Being healthy can be fun - Mrs Marita Sotho, winner of 2016 Fun walk.

Gaining informed advice at Univen’s teaching indaba.Walking the talk –

keeping the campus clean.

1st Teaching and learning indaba held

Keeping our campus cleanThe Amplifying Community Voices Students Association recently celebrated Freedom Day by cleaning the Univen campus. Cleaning started at the Maungani gate and proceeded through the campus to the F5 bridge on University Road.

“We believe the campaign will educate students that it is not only the duty of cleaners to keep our campus clean, but students as well,” says Mphego Mpho, Deputy Chairperson of the association.

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Mining engineering programme for UnivenThe Minister of Higher Education and Training has approved Mining Engineering as a new field of study at Univen.

The university has to conduct a feasibility study to establish financial viability, demand and the position of mining stakeholders on starting the programme. A consultant, Mr Ahmed Essop, was appointed to conduct the feasibility study. He recommended various viability options, based on student numbers.

Documents authored by the Mining Qualifications Authority and consultations with the mining industry indicated that the mining sector requires more middle level skills than mining engineers. It was further recommended that Univen should offer a suite of programmes in mining including certificates, diplomas and a Bachelor of Engineering (Technology), which articulates to a Bachelor of Engineering in Mining Engineering. This will ensure financial viability and address the job market skills need in the mining industry.

The mineral potential in South Africa remains

high, despite the current labour related challenges in the mining industry. This supports skills and engineering training and development for the sector. The revised feasibility study report was submitted to the department on 30 May.

To ensure quality and conformity of the programme to engineering standards, the engineering task team underwent accreditation training, facilitated by the Engineering Council of South Africa.

The developed programme has been subjected to international and national peer review. The international peer review was done by Prof Jugen Brune and Bill Wilson of the Colorado School of Mines in the USA, Prof Klaus Maas of the University of Applied Sciences in Höxster, Germany and Prof Helmut Mischo of the Technical University of Freiberg in Germany.

The legal position of traditional leadership in post-apartheid South Africa was the theme of a recent traditional leadership seminar at Univen.

“There is rising interest in customary law as a whole in South Africa,” said world-renowned academic, Prof Thandabantu Nhlapo.

“This is evidenced by frequent calls for the judiciary to make decisions about customary law and its application to different aspects. Though the constitution recognises customary law, it does not mean that all customary law is recognised, but only that which is consistent with and justifiable by the constitution.

“The government must empower its traditional leaders, as traditional leadership is important in a democratic country.”

Having steered one of the most important com-missions on traditional leadership, which helped to shape both the legislative and constitutional future of customary law and traditional leadership in South Africa, Nhlapo gave practical experiences of handling traditional affairs.

The seminar highlighted statutory promulgations and judicial decis ions which have brought significant change and development to traditional leadership in South Africa.

Furthermore, it brought together academics, traditional leaders, the judiciary and government officials to reflect on the role, significance and development of traditional leadership in South Africa since 1994.

Managing comprehensive internationalisation was the name of the game at the recent introduction of an advanced short learning programme.

Participants included people from offices responsible for the coordination of the internationalisation of higher education at various South African and Botswana universities. These included the Botho University in Botswana and the Universities of Cape Town and Limpopo.

This comprehensive module was presented by the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University’s unit for higher education internationalisation in the developing world, in collaboration with Univen. It is endorsed by the International Education Association of South Africa.

Presentations included those of the President of the International Education Association of South Africa, Dr Nico Jooste, Univen’s Director of International Relations, Cornelius Hagenmeier, Dr Savo Heletaat of the Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University and Huba Boshoff of the Postgraduate and International Office at the University of Stellenbosch.

Guest lecturers from Univen included the Director of Research and Innovation, Prof Georges-Ivo Ekosse, who spoke about internationalisation of research, the Dean of the School of Law, Annette Lansink, who alluded to leadership in higher education internationalisation and Dr Takalani Mashau, who explained interculturalism and intercultural competence.

The programme is aimed at university senior and middle management and university administrators working on the internationalisation of higher education in South Africa and the Southern African Development Community.

The module focuses on the foundation of higher education internationalisation, core definitions and contemporary trends. It develops effective context and institution-specific strategies for higher education internationalisation.

The Univen community celebrated Africa Day on 24 May. Organised by the Directorate of International Relations, the SRC and the Univen International Student Union, the programme explored ‘African unity in diversity’. Univen arts groups performed while a debating competition questioned whether Africa had improved since the continent committed to unite when the Organisation of African Unity was founded on 25 May 1963. The Univen

Debating Society, which presented the argument that Africa then, had been in a better state, won the contest. Wiseman Ndhlovu and Nyeleti Mboweni tested the audience’s general knowledge of Africa. “The Univen community salutes the spirit of Ubuntu which prevails at Univen and which unites us,” said the Director International Relations, Cornelius Hagenmeier.

“I am proud to be a student at Univen - a university which promotes student intellectual development,” says John Laisani. Laisani presented a research paper during the recent international conference on research in engineering and technology in the Philippines themed ‘Appraisal of corporate social responsibility of mining companies and sustainable

development of the Shamva mining community in Zimbabwe.’ Laisani is a PhD candidate in the Department of Mining and Environmental Geology at Univen.

Engineers do it for mining - Univen and Wits staff members at the mining engineering workshop.

“The government must empower traditional leaders as traditional leadership is of much importance in a democratic country” - Nhlapo.

Dr Nico Jooste, President of the International Education Association of South Africa,

ntroduces the short learning programme.

Our diversity makes us strong.

“I am proud to be a Univen student, a university which promotes student

intellectual development”- Laisani (left).

Traditional leadership seminar a success

Managing comprehensive internationalisation

Showcasing African unity in diversity

Univen promotes intellectual development

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Members of the different committees - oversight, scientific, logistics, communication and marketing, and finance and audit - from Univen and the Walter Sisulu University are preparing for the second international research conference in Polokwane from 5 to 7 October.

This conference should position Univen and the Walter Sisulu University at a higher level of knowledge generation and dissemination, away from the image of historically disadvantaged institutions. It will play a vital role in research development and innovation.

The conference will be attended by delegates from foreign and local universities, academics,

researchers, postgraduate students, managers and policy makers from government and non-government organisations, research administrators and staff of research councils and agencies.

The theme for the conference is ’Galvanising development through research and innovation’ and calls for abstracts close on 30 June. Abstracts should be submitted to irconference@univen.ac.za..

The first conference was held in East London in September 2015.

The School of Human and Social Sciences has held its first annual lecture series.

These lectures were presented by world-renowned and esteemed scholar, Prof Kwesi Prah, who is the founder and the director of the Africa-wide Centre for Advanced Studies of African Society in Cape Town.

In the first lecture, themed ‘Towards the intel-lectualisation of African languages’, Prah said the challenge for the development of African languages as languages of science and technology, is African emancipation and progress.

“It will be impossible to advance African society and cultures until linguistic policies are implemented, which puts the use of the languages of the African masses centre-stage. The greatest hindrance is caused by the entrenched interests of the neo-colonial elites. Like Calibans of the colonial Prosperos, they are addicted to the languages and voices of our former colonial masters.”

Officially launching the lecture series, Univen’s Deputy Vice Chancellor: Academic, Prof Jan Crafford, said the benefits of intellectualising mother tongue languages are essential.

“African languages have an important space in the continual efforts of transforming higher education institutions.”

In the second lecture, Prah said given South Africa’s

rich cultural diversity, tolerance, cultural space, pluralistic celebration of what society in its entirety offers, is the way forward.

“At the same time, the privileged minority cultures must not hold sway over the majority cultures. If this is allowed it could amount to an anti-democratic condition, which can never bring out the full potential of society. The dominance of minority cultures will be a perpetual constraining feature on social development and may further stimulate rivalries, antagonisms and possibly conflict.

“African students must know the world through African eyes and experience - this is true not only in South Africa, but also in the rest of Africa. Here, under conditions of neo-colonialism, African elites are entrenching Eurocentrism in education in colonial languages of educational instruction and also the substance of education.”

Prof Mokgale Makgopa, Dean of the School of Human and Social Sciences, said they have established a research network with the Centre for Advanced Studies of African Society.

“This includes the publication of the two envisaged School of Human and Social Sciences research journals, the publication of research monographs and books emanating from the completed masters and doctoral studies in the school and the publication of peer reviewed articles.”

Students who intend to enrol for programmes of their choice at the University of Venda in the 2017 academic year - application for admissions and hostel accommodation is now open. The closing date is Friday, 30 September 2016. Applications should be directed to:

The University Registrar, University of Venda, Private Bag X5050, Thohoyandou, 0950

Application forms can be downloaded from www.univen.ac.za.

For enquiries please contact Mr Seth Ugoda on 015 962 8882.

First series of Human and Social Sciences lectures

The Univen community celebrated Zimbabwe Independence Day, mark ing 36 yea r s o f the country ’s independence, on 22 Apr i l . The event brought local and Zimbabwean university community members together and was organised by the Univen SRC, Univen’s Interna-tional Student Organisation and the Directorate of International Relations.

The highlight of the evening was a ‘world café’, facilitated by Univen’s SRC Minister for External Affairs, Communications and International Relations, Tshepo Raseala, in which the role of young people in the economic advancement of the country was discussed. The Independence Day lecture was delivered by Mr Ngwenya, a PhD

candidate in the Department of Development Studies. He emphasised the role played by Zimbabwean youths during the time of the liberation struggle and challenged the audience to rise up and believe in themselves, to be the change they would like to see in the world around them.

Univen’s performing artists entertained the audience with modern dance staged by Electro General, poetry, drama and performances by Denzhe Netshitungulu. Participants wore various traditional African attires hailing from different parts of the continent, with over 200 students and staff members attending.

Planning for success - Members of the planning committee of the Univen-Walter Sisulu University

2016 international research conference.

“It will be impossible to advance African society and cultures until linguistic policies are implemented” – Prah.

Plans for 2nd international research conference underway

2017 Univen applications now open

Univen celebrates Zimbabwe Independence Day

6 N E N D I L A N E W S L E T T E R O F T H E U N I V E R S I T Y O F V E N D A

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The evolution of the black-white relationships in the world has been that of untold racial subjugation, exploitation, denigration and servitude. The scholarship of Prof Maldonado Torres conveys a clearer message on this age-old topic by involving the works of a celebrated scholar and medical practitioner, Frantz Fanon, who ideologised on coloniality and racism. Fanon in his books ‘The wretched of the earth’ and ‘White masks and black skins’ investigates the psycho-social effects of racism on black people in the diaspora as well as economic patterns that continue to wreak havoc on the psyche of the historically oppressed and exploited people.

In a clearer lucid style, Torres takes us through the journey of colonialism, coloniality and neo-liberalism. He also explains that the term ‘blackness’ is a transcendent connotation that encapsulates the vicissitudes, ethos and pathos of the oppressed rather than a mere pigmentation, and debunks the myth that whiteness equals intelligence.

Advances in the study of race have not done much to settle certain important questions concerning racial differences in physiology and anatomy. Torres, in dealing with this subject, takes us through the historical contributes that studied human races within the context of human evolution and genetics where some quasi scientists directed their attention to physical features. Others studied blood types of

human beings in an endeavour to justify their ill-gotten theories that suggested that the ‘white’ race is a superior race. Most of these studies underlined the fact that the continued existence of what was later called race is dependent upon geographical or social separation of homo-sapiens.

All human beings share a number of genes in common but populations differ as to the frequency of certain genes due to their geographical locations. On the overall, humankind is a single biological species. Races, according to Jordan, are neither discrete nor stable units but rather that they are plastic, changing, integral parts of a whole which is itself changing. We were derived from a single progenitor who had already developed into Homo sapiens. Torres shows that skeletal differences between whites and blacks (or the so-called Caucasoid and Mongoloid people) were exaggerated by white anthropologists so as to elevate themselves in the human chain, and to further justify slavery, colonialism, plunder and pillage of the land that belonged to Africans and/or people with a darker shade. He also implores us to re-think some of the concepts that can lead to coloniality of the mind. Thus, he talks about four arrears of coloniality which are power (politics and economics), knowledge and being, as well as western models of power, and asserts that blackness and whiteness are not biological

constructions. Rather, these are constructions of coloniality. Blackness therefore is an attitude of mind and a way of life that sets itself anti-thetically to white racism.

By deconstructing mental coloniality, Torres alludes to Bantu Biko’s writings that infer that the potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed (Biko, 2002). When mental coloniality is ascertained, the colonizer (in this instance the white man) does not need to be physically present to subjugate the black man/woman because he/she will continue to dehumanize himself/herself as he/she has internalised his/her sub humanity. This is further exemplified by the way a black man sees himself in the eyes of the white man. By marrying a white woman, he thinks that he has won a lottery ticket into the white man‘s world, or conversely, he has conquered the white man by entering into the terrain that is viewed by him (i.e., the white man) as sacrosanct. In the same vein, a black woman feels that she has reached socio-economic mobility when she is married by the white man who happens to be the envy of her peers. Mental coloniality can also be seen in women who strive by all means to look white by bleaching their skins and covering their natural hair with wigs and fake braiding. Some are even more comical by wearing blonde hair in spite of the fact that they are as black as two midnights added together, much to the chagrin of naturally blonde white women.

In showing how alienating Western curriculum can be to the black man, he demonstrates how the black man, upon receiving education from the west, will be at pains to talk in nasal tones to resemble the accent of his educator. Some will go as far as addressing their local communities in a foreign language where he attained his education. In a nutshell, Torres says that education should respond positively to the needs and aspirations of the people. Hence he challenges the historically black universities to strife towards the indigenisation of curriculum and to introduce Philosophy as a discipline whose outlook should be unashamedly African. By so doing, we will develop a holistic character within our students and perhaps, challenge a neo-liberal agenda whose purpose is to alienate black leaders from the masses by way of furthering the exploitation and denigratory system of their erstwhile oppressors. Some of these non-white leaders have become the Comprador Bourgeoisie in their respective countries in Africa and are comfortable in serving colonialism and neo-liberalism. The Rhodesmust fall movement is, according to him, a positive development whereby black students will continue to fight the vestiges of colonialism.

Coloniality must fall: A fanonian meditation on blackness and whitenessBy Tsoaledi D Thobejane, Associate Professor, Institute for Gender and Youth Studies

“The study of race have not done much to settle questions about racial differences in physiology and anatomy” – Prof Maldonado Torres.

“We aim to change the lives of ordinary children, making sure that a child goes to class with a full stomach,” says Univen’s SRC President, Mashudu Nthulane.

After the #FeesMustFall campaign last year, the Univen SRC, working with stakeholders, came up with a programme to help feed hungry students

and female students with sanitary pads to restore their dignity. The SRC started the project by buying groceries from their own pockets.

“As the SRC we say nwana wa munwe ndi nwana wau,” says Mashudu.

The programme assists greatly as many students

come from disadvantaged family backgrounds. All beneficiaries will be given food parcels throughout the month, while female students will receive sanitary towels once per month until the end of the year. For information about donations, please visit the SRC offices, call 015 962 8854 or e-mail fightershudu@gmail.com.

SRC donates food parcels and sanitary towels to needy students