The recent College of Human Sciences (CHS) Teaching and Learning Festival at the University of Namibia welcomed Prof Artwell Nhemachena from the University of Namibia and Prof Siphamandla Zondi from the University of Johannesburg as guest speakers.

Prof Artwell Nhemachena

The festival, themed "Unisa at 150 years: A journey of inclusive 4IR in CODeL", aimed to explore the complexities of education's core terms such as transformation, decolonisation, humanities, inclusivity, Society 4.0 and Society 5.0. Nhemachena's keynote speech shed light on the potential transformations awaiting anthropology and society in the era of rapid technological advancements.

During his speech, Nhemachena highlighted a growing discourse surrounding the transformation of humans and humanities to include non-humans or other-than-humans. He pointed out the emergence of sentient and sapient beings, including robots, capable of learning and teaching. For some, decolonisation is focused not solely on advancing human interests, but also on addressing the sufferings of non-humans that have long endured human exceptionalism.

The key aspect of Society 4.0 and 5.0, according to Nhemachena, is the decentralisation of humans and a shift away from human-centric perspectives. He raised a thought-provoking question about how African institutions would respond when artificially produced other-than-human beings start demanding inclusivity in teaching and learning. While debates on transforming and decolonising colonial epistemologies are under way, the prospect of humans evolving into posthumans, transhumans or biology-technology hybrids poses a challenge for traditional educational models.

The former lecturer at the University of Zimbabwe referred to Ray Kurzweil's book The singularity is near: When humans transcend biology, along with various articles and reports discussing the potential for uploading knowledge directly into human brains. With the proliferation of human enhancements and augmentations, individuals are increasingly inclined to enhance their minds by wirelessly connecting to the Internet of Things. This rapid transformation necessitates a shift in education to accommodate the accelerated information processing required in an information society.

The question arises as to whether universities will be able to adapt their traditional degree programmes to keep pace with the rapidity of global transformations. Nhemachena raised concerns about the relevance of universities in a world where technological mind enhancements outperform traditional educational systems. The prospect of wirelessly connected minds, direct uploads of information and open access to knowledge challenges the role of examinations and the need for physical universities.

Furthermore, the emergence of postanthropocentric approaches in Society 4.0 and 5.0 indicates a need for inclusive education that extends beyond human interests. As non-human robots and animals demonstrate the capacity for learning, the inclusion of non-humans in the education system becomes a consideration. He emphasised the necessity for universities to position themselves strategically amidst these sweeping changes, which impact not only industries and economies, but society as well.

The event also recognised individuals for their excellence and transformation in teaching and learning. The nominees for the Excellence Award for Innovation in Tuition included Dr Carine Prinsloo. In the category of Excellence Award for Student Support, Dr Ingrid Marais and Tebogo Moswane were acknowledged. In the Excellence Award for Transformation in Teaching and Learning category, Zandisiwe Radebe, Prof Cobus van Wyngaard, Mbali Kgame and Obakeng Afrika were nominated. These individuals will compete in the university's Teaching and Learning Festival scheduled for September 2023.

Prof Nokuthula Hlabangane, Head of Academic Quality Assurance and Enhancement at CHS, was the programme director for the event. Her exceptional hosting skills and warm welcome set the tone for the festival. Hlabangane also took the opportunity to congratulate Prof Zethu Nkosi on being elected as the new Dean of the College of Human Sciences.

Additionally, Prof Siphamandla Zondi from the University of Johannesburg shared his insights on decoloniality during the event. He discussed how decoloniality encompasses various philosophies of liberation, including pan-Africanism, black consciousness, Africana existentia, black and African feminism, Afrocentric thought, subalterns, post-colonialism, dependencia, critical thought, critical theory and critical race theory.

Prof Siphamandla Zondi

In conclusion, Nhemachena's speech emphasised the urgent need for universities to address the transformative changes brought about by Society 4.0 and 5.0. The potential decommissioning of humans and universities challenges the traditional educational system and necessitates proactive consideration of mind-enhancement technologies, the decentralisation of knowledge and the inclusion of non-humans. As universities strive to decolonise their curricula and remain relevant in the face of rapid global transformations, the overarching question remains: Can a de-universitised society equate to a decolonised society?

#Unisa150 

*By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Human Sciences