Reimagining the African university

There is currently much debate about youth livelihoods and the shape, form and function of higher education on the African continent, with many compelling and competing views. Learning Activity 4 engages experienced scholars and thought leaders on the kinds of universities we need to ensure a continent able to deal with its challenges and takes its place in the world. Coordinated by Prof Thierry Luescher, the research team includes Prof Sharlene Swartz, Dr Alude Mahali, Prof Crain Soudien, Prof Catherine Odora Hoppers, Prof Relebohile Moletsane, Prof David Everatt, and Mr Krish Chetty.

Over a 2-year period, the research team will engage about 60 thought leaders from the African continent and across the globe (and across generations) involved in higher education, scholarship programmes, youth development programmes, industry and policy making. Engagement with scholars and thought leaders takes the form of interviews that cover issues such as digitisation, access, support, transitions, and indigenisation as well as their visions for the African university and how they may be reimagined.