The fourth and fifth generations of African scholars: a South African case study
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Date
2016
Authors
Mapaya, Madimabe Geoff
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of the Free State
Abstract
In the so-called African millennium, it is perhaps excusable
to pretend that African scholarship has come
of age. Almost 20 years after the seminal article by
Professor Thandika Mkandawire, which proffered a
generational profile of the African scholar, it is perhaps
opportune now to revisit the subject. Following on this
historical masterpiece, the present article seeks to
present a critique of what has become the hallmark of
African scholarship albeit from a narrow South African
perspective. It does so by taking into account some
of the factors (good or bad) responsible for the status
quo. A random sample of academic articles, including
interviews with a number of African scholars, was used
to formulate the argument in this article. A critique of
the human capital in selected South African universities
was also essential in completing a picture of academic
progress or lack thereof. While not undermining the
milestones reached, a kind of introspective reflection
on the state of African scholarship can only aid the
advancement of African knowledge enterprise; hence
this instalment.
Description
Keywords
African scholarship, Brain drain, Academic mentoring, Academic equity, African scholars
Citation
Mapaya, M. G. (2016). The fourth and fifth generations of African scholars: a South African case study. Acta Academica, 48(2), 76-90.