On 22 September 2023, Prof Hulisani Ramantswana, an esteemed academic attached to the Department of Biblical and Ancient Studies in Unisa’s College of Human Sciences, virtually delivered his inaugural lecture entitled "Decolonising Tshivenda Bible Translations (1936 and 1998): A Tragic Tale of VhaVenda, a People Whose Concept of God Was and Continues to be Ploughed Under by the Translated Bibles". 

Prof Hulisani Ramantswana

This lecture was a testament to Ramantswana’s dedication to decolonial hermeneutics and African biblical hermeneutics, and his deep commitment to studying the impact which the Bible has had on indigenous languages and cultures, particularly within the context of colonial ideologies.

Decolonising Venda Bible translations

Ramantswana’s lecture offered a profound exploration of the misrepresentation of the Venda Bible translations of 1936 and 1998. He presented a compelling argument that these translations distorted the VhaVenda people’s perception of God, thereby perpetuating a tragic tale of cultural erosion. The lecture served as a platform for Ramantswana to share his research findings and insights into the decolonisation of translated bibles – a topic he has been passionately investigating for years.

Ramantswana’s academic journey has evolved over the years, transitioning from biblical theology to a focus on African biblical hermeneutics. His research interests have expanded to encompass decolonial hermeneutics and readings of scripture, as well as the decolonisation of translated bibles – themes which were central to his inaugural lecture. His involvement in the Bible review project of the Bible Society in South Africa has heightened his awareness of the importance of decolonising translated bibles.

Despite these translations serving as invaluable language tools, they have also been influenced by colonial ideology, leaving indelible marks on indigenous languages and cultures. His current focus underscores the imperative to decolonise these translations, and restore the integrity of indigenous languages and cultures.

Who is Prof Hulisani Ramantswana?

Ramantswana embarked on his academic journey in 2011 as a post-doctoral fellow at Unisa – a period that extended until May 2013. Having assumed the role of senior lecturer on a fixed-term contract from June 2013 to July 2016, in August 2016 he was appointed as a junior lecturer and has since risen in the ranks to his current esteemed position.

In addition to his research pursuits, Ramantswana is dedicated to guiding and supporting master’s and doctoral students in their academic research. His objectives include encouraging critical thinking, shaping the clear communication of ideas, and regularly assessing students’ research progress. His role as a theologian and pastor has naturally extended to teaching in an academic setting, and he derives great satisfaction from sharing knowledge and facilitating the learning process for his students.

Furthermore, his engagement with community-based theological programmes and seminaries enables him to connect with people at the grassroots level, thereby enriching both his academic and his personal understanding.

Ramantswana’s international standing is underscored by his National Research Foundation C2 rating, and his role as chief editor of Old Testament Essays. He serves on the editorial board of In Die Skriflig/In Luce Verbi and is an active member of several scholarly societies. His prolific career includes presentations at national and international conferences, and he played a pivotal role in the Sacred Texts international conference held at the University of Ghana in June 2022.

A formidable academic force

Ramantswana’s virtual inaugural lecture was a seminal event that shed light on the pressing need to decolonise Bible translations and restore the cultural and linguistic heritage of the VhaVenda people. His academic journey, research interests, and commitment to mentoring students reflect his dedication to knowledge production and societal transformation. Ramantswana’s contributions to academia continue to resonate, making him a formidable force in the field of biblical studies and decolonial scholarship. 

* By IHlubi Veli Mabona, Marketing Assistant, College of Human Sciences