Julius Sello Malema on land return and decolonisation
In our profession of social work and development, justice is revered as a key value. Is justice the same for…
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Category: Decolonise
A scale to measure the decolonisation of artificial intelligence (AI) governance and other uses
The scale below appears in a research article by, and can be cited as: Ayana, G., Dese, K., Daba Nemomssa,…
Two publications about Olympics and Africa
The Olympics games held in Paris, France have come and gone. Two articles provide more light about the Olympics. The…
Ghana family values and human sexual rights bill: Lessons for social work and development
The Ghana Parliament passed a bill early this year to promote sexual activities that align with African culture and values….
A westernised discourse of sexuality in Africa – an analysis of the biased authorship in The Conversation Africa
To understand who contributes to the topic of sexuality in Africa, authorship in The Conversation Africa, an Australian online media…
Launch video — Ubuntu Digital Platform project
The Ubuntu Digital Platform project was launched by Professor Antoinette Lombard (IASSW incoming President)) during the Day of the African…
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Decolonization and Decoloniality – phases, ways and impediments: excerpts from Omanga’s interview with Professor Gatsheni-Ndlovu, 2020
Phases of decolonisation “Decolonization needs to be understood in its phases. What became known as “primary resistance” movements—such as the…
Emancipatory social work by Professor O. N. Moyo
Ten Key Elements of Africa’s Decolonisation
- Ubuntu: A whole of Africa philosophy emphasizing the interconnectedness of humanity and the importance of community. The concept of Ubuntu highlights the communal values that were often disrupted by colonialism.
- Harambee: A Swahili word meaning all pull together. It represents the spirit of collective effort and collaboration, which colonial powers often exploited or disrupted in African societies.
- Mau Mau: Refers to a militant anti-colonial movement in Kenya during the 1950s. The Mau Mau rebellion symbolizes the resistance of African peoples against colonial oppression and exploitation.
- Sankofa: A word from the Akan people of Ghana, symbolized by a bird looking backward while moving forward. Sankofa represents the idea of learning from the past in order to build a better future, which is particularly relevant in addressing the legacies of colonisation in Africa.
- Maat: A concept from ancient Egyptian philosophy and spirituality, Maat represents truth, justice, and harmony. The pursuit of Maat was central to ancient African societies and serves as a guiding principle for addressing injustices perpetuated by colonisation.
- Indaba: A Nguni term for a gathering or conference to discuss important matters. Indigenous governance systems often relied on the indaba as a form of consensus-building, which was disrupted by colonial authorities.
- Jua kali: Swahili for ‘hot sun’, it refers to the informal sector of the economy in East Africa, characterized by small-scale entrepreneurship and craftsmanship. The jua kali sector has historically been a source of resilience and economic independence in the face of colonial economic exploitation.
- Imihigo: In Rwanda, imihigo are performance contracts between the government and citizens, outlining development goals and responsibilities. Indigenous governance practices such as imihigo were often suppressed or replaced by colonial administrative structures.
- Mugabeism: Named after Zimbabwe’s former leader Robert Mugabe, Mugabeism refers to the policy of land redistribution and indigenization of the economy pursued after independence. It reflects the legacy of colonial land dispossession and the struggle for economic justice in post-colonial Africa.
- Igbo kwenu: A call and response phrase used by the Igbo people of Nigeria to acknowledge the presence and solidarity of a group. Igbo kwenu is met with the response Igbo kwezuenu, signifying unity and collective identity, values that were often disrupted by colonialism but remain important in African societies.
Kumi (10) Key Lessons from Africa Day Day 2024
Cite as: Africa Social Work and development network and Association of Schools of Social work (2024). 10 points from Africa…
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Tips for turning your thesis or dissertation into a book
Are you interested in turning your thesis or dissertation into a book and pitching it to a publisher but do…
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Africa Day
Africa Day offers a platform to celebrate Africa’s rich cultural diversity, honor its history of resistance and liberation, and reaffirm…
Chagua vs. AGOA: Rwanda’s Second Hand Clothes and Shoes Trade Standoff with the US and the Battle for Economic Sovereignty
Rwanda ended up being banned from a trade deal with the US called AGOA – for raising tariffs to discourage…
Ghana’s President Nana Akufo-Addo speech about UN’s structural flaws, slave trade and illicit flow of funds out of Africa
Speaking at the UN General Assembly in 2023, His Excellency President Nana Akufo-Addo made these important points: https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxrZ9J5AYZly5nNNIuc2djaJqD0gscmfi2?si=SHDbSW7Md-z2wfb- Implications for…
Chinualumogu Achebe (1930-2013)’s contribution to social development
Albert Chinualumogu Achebe was born in Ogidi, Nigeria, in 1930. He was a poet, novelist and political critic. He also…
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What does it mean to decolonise publishing?
This video and transcribed text below came from Walter Bgoya’s 2021 keynote speech at University of Cape Town, South Africa….
Poverty is being eradicated in knowledge-economies, yet Africa is creating economies centred on borrowed religion and corruption
The video and text below came from a television editorial by Anthony Afolo of New Africa Broadcasting Notwork (NABNTV) ….
Sankofa Theory
The Adinkra people are an Akan tribe of Ghana, West of Africa. Their symbol is a bird called Sankofa. Like…
How are Philosophies, Theories and Models developed?
What is a philosophy? A philosophy refers to a whole view about life, sometimes called a worldview or way of…
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Key Points and Actions from Wazee Day of Older Persons Webinar, 2023
Cite as: Association of Schools of Social Work in Africa and Africa Social Work and Development Network (2023). Key points…
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Artificial Intelligence (AI): How to avoid students cheating assessments
It is true that Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools can think for students and make them less critical learners. Ultimately, they…
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Cheikh Anta Diop’s Theories and their Place in Social Work and Development
Cheikh Anta Diop (1923-1986) was born in Thieytou, Diourbel Region of Senegal. His philosophy and theories are important in social…
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Writing a journal article could be as easy as making fufu, nsima, ugali or matoke!
Just like making fufu, writing a journal article can be as easy for students if you start early. The staple…
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Disputed elections and challenges of the democracy project in Africa
Voting in Africa – colonial or liberating
Françafrique: unethical colonial action that has underdeveloped Africa
Niger is the 7th largest producer of uranium all of which go to Europe yet it is the 7th poorest…
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Sankarism – Thomas Sankara’s idea of development and implications for social work
Image source. Sankarism refers to the ideologies of Thomas Sankara, a Burkinabé military officer, revolutionary and Pan-Africanist. Sankara was Burkina…
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