Ramaphosa Urges Teachers to Engage in 'Decolonisation of Education' at EIAFR Conference

President Cyril Ramaphosa has delivered a significant speech at the 10th Education International Africa Regional (EIAFR) conference, held at the Sandton Convention Centre in Johannesburg. He urged teachers to join forces with students in the movement towards decolonizing education across the African continent.

The EIAFR conference, which convenes every four years with its location rotating among member organizations, focuses on strengthening education systems, particularly in times of crisis. This year's theme, "Standing Together for Resilient Education Systems in Times of Crisis," reflects a collective commitment to fostering equitable and inclusive public education amid numerous challenges, including adverse health crises and climate change.

With more than 32 million members globally across 383 member unions in 178 countries and territories, Education International (EI) is a major global federation that champions teachers' and education support personnel's rights. The conference serves as an essential platform for shaping policies and strategies that ensure public education remains robust and accessible to all.

During his address, President Ramaphosa highlighted the legacy of colonialism, which he believes still adversely affects the continent's education systems. He called for a critical examination and abandonment of colonial ideologies that linger in educational practices, advocating a transition towards embracing African perspectives and experiences within curricula.

Ramaphosa further emphasized the need for a comprehensive appreciation of diverse knowledge systems, integrating them effectively into educational content and practice. He acknowledged the invaluable role of labour movements, civil society, and NGOs in sustaining educational advancement and warranted the necessity of collaboration to foster informed citizenship in democratic societies.

Reflecting on South Africa's struggle with an educational legacy marred by apartheid, Ramaphosa recognized the government's significant investment in education aimed at overcoming historic inequalities. He reiterated his commitment to making education accessible to all South Africans without discrimination.

Addressing the current global crises, such as the ongoing wars in Ukraine and the Middle East, the President underscored the importance of a resilient education system capable of responding to these challenges. The conference's dialogues and activities are expected to generate strategies for enduring and overcoming these global disruptions.

President Ramaphosa's call for the decolonization of education, which entails a shift from Eurocentric curricula to inclusive and diverse perspectives, signifies a key step towards redressing historical imbalances and ensuring that education systems contribute to the development of nations more holistically.

The conference, concluding on Thursday, is primed to make a profound impact on the educational landscape, as delegates deliberate and set forth actionable plans designed to bolster the resiliency and inclusivity of education systems amid ongoing and emerging global challenges.