Can South Africa truly transform if the knowledge systems shaping its institutions, policies and society remain largely unchanged? This question was at the heart of a thought-provoking colloquium at the North-West University (NWU), where scholars, researchers and practitioners explored how ubuntu, capability theory and decolonial thinking could contribute to a more just and inclusive society.
The one-day colloquium, “Reimagining Human flourishing: capabilities, Ubuntu, and decolonisation in South Africa”, was held at Tsebonokeng Hall at the Vanderbijlpark Campus. Dr Lesiba Tumishang (Tumi) Ledwaba, senior lecturer in history and deputy director of the School of Social Sciences, served as master of ceremonies.
Opening the programme, Prof. Ian Rothmann emphasised the need for locally relevant solutions. “We are looking for solutions for our country. Our situation is different from elsewhere; that is why we are focusing on things like ubuntu,” he said.
Prof. Morgan Ndlovu, professor of indigeneity and decoloniality at the University of Johannesburg, challenged participants to confront the knowledge systems that sustain existing structures of power.
Speaking on “The idea of human flourishing in colonial and decolonial horizons: a conversation between capability and decolonial approach”, Prof. Ndlovu argued that meaningful transformation requires a transformation of knowledge itself. “The only way we can stop corruption is to deal with the knowledge system that maintains the status quo,” he said, adding that knowledge is political and cannot be regarded as neutral.
He described what he called “smart colonialism”, questioning whether some supposedly transformative approaches leave deeper power structures untouched. He also challenged the extent to which BEE addresses the underlying structures of economic exploitation. “In Africa, exploitation has changed the colour, but it goes on because the capitalistic system always needs someone to exploit,” he said.
The programme then turned to ubuntu and higher education, with a presentation titled “Towards relational flourishing in higher education: achieving ubuntu as a central capability”. The speaker called on universities to recognise indigenous worldviews and reconsider models that prioritise individual achievement. “Universities must acknowledge indigenous worldviews. They should encourage cooperative learning and success, not institutions of individual excellence,” he said.
A panel discussion, “Capabilities, decolonisation and justice in practice”, moderated by Prof. Bee Ngwenya, brought together Dr Aphiwe Ntloko, Dr Vedhna Dayanand-Lalla, Dr Verona Leendertz, Dr Tshepang K Kgosiemang and Dr Lehasa Moloi. Prof. Ngwenya challenged participants to interrogate both dominant knowledge and what has been excluded from it. “Do not only read what is said, but what is not said,” she said.
The panel explored whether the capability approach itself can be decolonised, while considering ubuntu as a framework for relational governance and engaging with challenges including poverty, HIV/AIDS, gender-based violence and economic inequality.
The colloquium subsequently moved from theory to practical implementation, with participants working in groups on five themes: capabilities, gender and human flourishing; decolonising knowledge and higher education; ubuntu, community and collective flourishing; institutional transformation and building a capability approach community of practice. The groups developed insights, policy proposals and ideas for future research collaboration before reporting back to the wider gathering.
The discussions highlighted a central message: meaningful transformation requires more than changing policies and institutions. It also requires questioning the knowledge systems and assumptions that shape how society understands progress, success and human well-being.
The programme concluded with closing reflections and a vote of thanks from Prof. Ngwenya, followed by networking and further engagement among participants.
