The Faculty of Health Sciences, in collaboration with the Department of Basic Medical Sciences and the Centre for Excellence in Learning and Teaching (CELT) at the Durban University of Technology (DUT) recently hosted a groundbreaking Decolonisation Workshop at Coastlands The event, facilitated by Dr Rhea Koch from North-West University, brought together DUT lecturers to explore practical ways to decolonise curricula and foster inclusivity in education.
The workshop aimed to address the pressing need for decolonisation in health sciences and other disciplines. Dr Koch drew from her extensive research and practical experience in decolonisation, providing a structured framework to guide participants. The focus was on understanding the lingering impact of colonial legacies, recognising their influence on curricula, and adopting transformative practices to create a socially just and inclusive academic environment.
Dr Koch emphasised that decolonisation was not merely a buzzword but a dynamic process of challenging entrenched systems and empowering both educators and students. She introduced her four-pillar framework for decolonisation as a practical approach:
- Recognise and Challenge Colonialism
- Commit to Social Justice
- Engage with Indigenous Knowledge
- Explore Alternative Approaches
Professor Firoza Haffejee, Head of Department of Basic Medical Sciences at DUT shared her experiences with Photovoice, an innovative teaching and community engagement tool that aligns with decolonisation principles. Prof Haffejee presented findings from her recently published study on how Photovoice enhances student learning while fostering a decolonized curriculum.
Prof Haffejee explained that Photovoice was a participatory method where students use photography to capture and analyse real-world issues. In Prof Haffejee’s public health module, students worked in groups to document their local communities, taking photos to identify and discuss factors that impact health or illness.
Dr Koch fostered an interactive environment by encouraging participants to ask questions and share their experiences. She emphasised that decolonisation was a continuous process requiring reflection, action, and adaptability.
During the workshop, lecturers shared challenges, such as resistance to change and balancing institutional requirements with decolonial practices. These discussions emphasised the importance of tailoring decolonisation strategies to specific disciplines while leveraging tools like Photovoice for meaningful engagement.
The event concluded with closing remarks by Dr Fazila Ally, a lecturer in the Department of Basic Medical Sciences at DUT who expressed her gratitude to Dr Koch for leading the workshop. She also passed her gratitude to all the attendees, and organisers.
“It was a really, really nice workshop, I really appreciate your input into all of the conversations that we shared. Without you, it would not have been possible” Dr Ally concluded.
Pictured: Dr Rhea Koch with the attendees at the Decolonisation Workshop.
Photographer: Mnqobi Ngobese.
Sinamile Sithole
