I am a  Xhosa girl from the Eastern Cape, I have been influenced by two teachings that have shaped my worldview. The first is the importance of community and Ubuntu, which means " I am because we are".  In the Xhosa culture, community is everything and social relationship are highly valued. We are taught to always consider the well-being of others and to help those in need. This teaching has led to prioritise relationships and empathy in my personal and professional life.

The second teaching that has influenced me is the idea of resilience and hard work. Growing up I was always taught that anything is possible if you work hard enough. This belief is deeply ingrained in our culture and is reflected in the motto of Nelson Mandela University, " Let your light shine". We are encouraged to pursue our dreams and achieve our goals despite any obstacles we may encounter. This teaching has instilled in me a strong works ethic and a determination to pursue my passion and make a difference in the world.

As I learnt more about the history of colonialism and its impact on African education, I am also becoming more aware of the ways in which these teachings have been influenced and shaped by external forces. As Francis B Nyamjoh writes in " Potted Plants  in Greenhouses", colonial education has often priorities Western knowledge system over indigenous knowledge and has perpetuated a narrative to Africa inferiority. I am beginning to question the origins of these teachings and how they have been influenced by colonialism and globalisation.

This can be seen in the way that traditional African knowledge and practices have been label as primitive or inferior, leading many to abandon their tradition in favour of Western ideals. As a result , many African societies are now grappling with a loss of identity, knowledge and practical that have been passed down through generations. Globalisation has also played a role in shaping our worldview and belief systems. The dominant voices and narratives in media, entertainment and technology are often those of the West, which can influence our perception and beliefs. Even the language we use to describe ourselves and our cultures can be influenced by external forces and may not fully reflect the richness and diversity of our experiences.

As I reflect on my own beliefs and values, I am becoming more aware of the need to critically evaluate the sources on my worldview. It is crucial that we continue to reclaim and celebrate our indigenous knowledge and practices, while also actively resisting the narratives of inferiority perpetuated by colonialism and globalisation. By doing so, we can begin to build a more robust and inclusive understanding of ourselves and the world around us.