Growing up in South Africa with a diverse family background has instilled in me a rich tapestry of beliefs and teachings. Here are two that resonate deeply with my worldview:

1. The Harmony of Coexistence: 

My mother's Christian faith and my father's Muslim heritage taught me the beauty of religious harmony. Despite their different religious practices, they shared a common value of compassion and respect for all individuals. This has shaped my belief in the importance of interfaith dialogue and the acceptance of diverse spiritual paths as equally valid.

2. The Strength in Diversity: 

My family's mixed racial and ethnic heritage, encompassing South African, Indian, and German roots, has shown me the strength that lies in diversity. The apartheid era's painful history and the resilience of my mother's family during those times have taught me the importance of fighting for equality and justice. I believe that our differences are not just to be tolerated but celebrated, as they contribute to the collective wisdom of humanity.

The works of Francis B. Nyamnjoh and Achille Mbembe challenge us to examine the systems of knowledge that shape our understanding of the world. For someone with my background, the concept of "Blinded by Sight" might be familiar in the sense that it echoes the idea of looking beyond the surface to understand deeper truths⁴. This is akin to my experience of navigating multiple cultural identities and finding unity in diversity.

On the other hand, the discussion on the resilience of colonial education in Africa might strike a chord of strangeness, as it confronts the lingering effects of colonialism, which my family has directly experienced. It highlights the biases and prejudices embedded in an education system that often devalues indigenous knowledge and promotes a sense of inadequacy among those it is supposed to empower.

Reflecting critically on these points, I recognize the importance of questioning the status quo and the narratives that have been historically dominant. It is crucial to acknowledge the biases that come from a colonial past and to strive towards an education system that is inclusive of the diverse epistemologies representing the rich cultural fabric of Africa.

In conclusion, my mixed heritage has not only given me a unique perspective but also a responsibility to advocate for a world where every voice is heard and valued. The texts serve as a reminder to remain vigilant against prejudices and to embrace the complexity of our identities in the postcolonial world.