Time to offer alternative solutions grounded on African epistemic traditions

Professor Maelekanyo MuIaudzi is the Deputy Executive Dean of the College of Economic and Management Sciences (CEMS). Mulaudzi, a fervent scholar who believes in the Africanisation of economics pedagogy, was born and raised in Mapate, a village about 15km west of Thohoyandou, Limpopo Province. Growing up, he looked up to his late cousin Gloria, the family's first matriculant and first university graduate. 

Prof Maelekanyo MuIaudzi

He adds that her grandmother's voice of unparalleled wisdom and her advice also contributed to his knowledge and inspiration. He states: "She instructed me that if I want to be a better and fulfilled person, I should focus on my education because it will pave the way into my desired future." Following on his grandmother's pearls of wisdom, it was a full circle moment of pride when the university recognised and acknowledged his grandmother (then aged 102) as the guest of honour during his doctoral graduation at Unisa on the 03^rd of October 2012.

Mulaudzi, who has been at Unisa for 18 years, started his academic career as a lecturer at the University of Venda, followed by the Vaal University of Technology. He later joined Unisa in February 2006. He shares: "I was promoted to the rank of Senior Lecturer at Unisa in October 2008, and from July 2012, I was afforded an opportunity to act as Chair of the Department for 18 months. After that, I had some stints outside of academic management until the recent appointment.

Mulaudzi was appointed Deputy Executive Dean with effect from 01 January 2024. He explains that this appointment affirms his commitment to serving CEMS and the university's efforts towards academic excellence and innovation. He continues: "I am passionate about contributing towards the growth and development of my colleagues in their respective roles within the university and contribute towards the success of our students, many of whom emerge from conditions of despair." He adds: "This position provides me with an unrivalled impetus to provide exceptional service to colleagues, students, and other stakeholders whilst also contributing meaningfully and effectively to the university's policy framework, plans, strategies and decisions."

Key priorities 

Mulaudzi explains that his key priorities include paying particular attention to the health and wellness of staff members, enhancing compliance with the university's governance frameworks, strengthening the quality assurance of the university's learning materials and assessments, increasing Unisa's visibility and engagement with its communities, enhancing the college's research profile and promoting students' engagement with the learning process to improve exam participation rate.

Infusing African indigenous knowledge

Regarding challenges and opportunities within the college, Mulaudizi states that many of the disciplines are still modelled on the global north epistemic foundations laid in the 18^th century. "We are still viewing our disciplines from a global lens that epitomises the first industrial revolution when Taylorism and Smith's theories were the order of the day. So, anything not objectively tested and written in the text does not seem to constitute knowledge and truth. That is how most of us were trained to think as university students, and we are working towards repositioning this viewpoint," he asserts.

He further explains that the global economic and management models and predetermined solutions are not always compatible within the African context. He argues it is time to offer alternative solutions to the world grounded on African epistemic traditions and value systems.

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*By Godfrey Madibane, Acting Journalist, Department of Institutional Advancement