A decolonised mind is a powerful weapon to gain absolute freedom the depth of coloniality through which the world order has been hegemonised by Euro-American imperialists in developing Third World countries has created deep-rooted pseudo epistemological truths portrayed as our everyday reality.
All developing countries, particularly African countries, subscribe to Euro-American culture that has eroded the indigenous way of doing things. Many features entrench coloniality such as media imperialism, democracy, international political hegemony, and economic manoeuvring masqueraded as globalisation. Over centuries, these features have been gradually and subconsciously purveyed as the building blocks of modern enlightenment and civilisation which have come to be assimilated by Africans as they try to define their own post-colonial rule.
However, these facets have helped to entrench colonial power that also monopolised knowledge, the economy and captured the ideological wellbeing of Africans. Over the years democracy has been seen as a desirable dispensation that is accommodating; that brings about law and order as well as equal opportunities for everyone. It provides a false sense of liberation. For example, 26 years after the dawn of democracy, SA remains one of the most unequal societies in the world. Land redistribution has been slow because under democracy the process must unfold in a peaceful manner unlike in the era of conquests where land was seized. Democracy today has failed to deal with the underlying damage that colonialism caused.
The whole system needs an overhaul. As Africans, we must rethink a new path that will lead us to liberation. The aspirations of a cadre who subscribes to decoloniality of being, power and knowledge must advocate for changes so that the world becomes a better place for all. As an African coming from a previously disadvantaged background because of colonialism, one needs to shift the thinking of the previously oppressed.
Decolonial thoughts need to be progressive in nature. People must learn to use progressive means to empower themselves. Decolonial thinking does not centre on individual salvation but aspires to build the world. Decolonial sentiments do not push for retribution and reprisals of past injustices but to create a conducive environment for people to coexist in a harmonious and progressive way.
Culturally, as Africans we must institutionalise our African way of doing things based on African indigenous knowledge. Africans must do away with a Westernised culture still being practised by most neo-liberal democratic regimes. During the opening of parliament in SA, everything is symbolic of the Western way of doing things. The state processions, the 21-gun salute and the formal display of sovereignty ascribe the trappings of Westminster and the Queen. An African order is needed. Africans need to fashion their own indigenous pathways that will guide change and self-worth.
Economically, African states must mobilise to configure an African economic dispensation that will benefit Africans. The economy is still controlled by the Europeans, Americans and the descendants of European settlers. Africans need to break the cycle of being consumers. Africans need to buy African products. Africans need to forge a united front in the newly formed African Continental Free Trade Area to hold its own against European, Asian and American trading blocs. We need to create our own billionaires and stop depending on foreign aid.
The African education system needs an overhaul. Africans need to innovate through technology to solve African problems. The establishment of close to 450 hi-tech hubs across African countries to incubate and nurture techno-savvy inventions needs to be applauded; with countries like Rwanda leading the pack. Finally, African leaders who gained power through democracy, must put their countries’ agenda forward and refrain from being lackies who obey Europeans ahead of their people.
We have seen a sequel of coloniality under their rule. They do not aid Africa to debunk coloniality but act as puppets who are controlled by their masters in Europe and America. Leopold Sedar Senghor, the founding father of Senegal, expressed the pathetic view of decolonisation of the Francophone countries when he said: "In Africa, when children have grown up, they leave their parents’ hut, and build a hut of their own by its side. Believe me; we do not want to leave the French compound. We have grown up in it and it is good to be alive in it. We simply want to build our own huts."
Many African leaders celebrated this neo-colonialism as a sign of continuation of good relations between France and Africa. Consequently, what was expected to be post-colonial states and nations became mere small huts within the bigger neo-colonial houses that managed the economic affairs and influenced the political trajectory of the continent.
• Hleko is a communication scholar at the University of South Africa and assistant director communication at the department of agriculture, land reform and rural development and is writing in his personal capacity.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.