Is the Decolonization of the South African University curriculum possible in a Neoliberal culture?

Abstract

The ascendency of neoliberalism in South Africa not only permeated the rhythms of every aspect of human life – political, economic, social and cultural – but also powerfully affected the landscape of higher education. Consequently, the higher education sector has become interwoven with complex neoliberal ideals and core principles that favour the subjectivity of a global entrepreneurial class. Given the immense impact of these ideals on the university landscape – curriculum in particular – this paper is an attempt to show, 1) what is the relationship between neoliberalism and decolonization? And, 2) how this super complex relationship (between neoliberalism and decolonization) shapes/influences the decolonization project. To this end the paper first provides a brief explanation of what is meant by the term ‘decolonisation’ of the university curriculum. Secondly, a brief explanation of the core ideals and principles of neoliberalism is provided. Thirdly, the paper discusses how these core ideals and principles, as a system of power, permeates the South African university curricula promoting a Westernised academic culture. Finally, the paper explains why decolonisation is important and offers some ideas on how to decolonise the curriculum landscape, despite the vice of neoliberal ideals.