South African Universities and the Question of Decolonization

Abstract

Ernst Wolff, in his paper “South African universities and the question of decolonization,” addresses the issue of colonial legacy and decolonization in the context of philosophy. This response takes the argument of Wolf further, using the example of Church History Discipline. African Church History, or general history, is studied as long as it is useful to Western Legacy (Augustine, Origen) or has elements of Western participation (Portuguese missionaries, nineteenth century to Africa); besides this, African history is ignored and trivialised. Overcoming this prejudice will not only be an act of historical justice but also will create opportunity for African history philosophy to demonstrate its full potential.