The United States of America’s Department of State provided financing for a partnership between UKZN’s School of Education and Teachers College, Columbia University.
This ground-breaking fellowship’s second part was held at Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City, following a fruitful in-person session in June.
The inception of the project traces back to the visit of the US Ambassador to South Africa, Reuben E Brigety II, to the School of Education in April 2023. Following this visit, the School hosted another distinguished guest from the U S, Desirée Cormier Smith, the US Special Representative for Racial Equity and Justice.
The project aimed to equip 24 master’s and PhD students with the necessary knowledge, skills, and academic support to champion racial justice education in their fields and communities. The fellowship has hosted virtual sessions since April, followed by two in-person student exchanges – one bringing US fellows to South Africa and the other to the US
Teachers College and the UKZN School of Education have been steadfast collaborators for the past five years. In the final week of September 2023, the second leg of the fellowship began at Teachers College. The South African delegation was led by Dr Vusi Msiza, a project manager and senior lecturer, along with Dr Marshall Maposa, a senior lecturer specialising in history education at the School of Education.
This leg of the fellowship featured a diverse range of activities. Dr M Christopher Brown II facilitated a session with a discussion on the history of race and educational research in both countries. Fellows actively engaged with Brown II and received his co-edited book: Whiteness is the New South Africa. The program delved into the study of race in education, as well as culturally sensitive research and praxis, facilitated by Brown II, Douglass, and Professor Emerita Linda Tillman, respectively.
The itinerary extended beyond classrooms and seminar rooms. A significant part of the fellowship was dedicated to visiting schools in Harlem, New York City, and the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, DC Here, fellows were immersed in the profound history of racial injustice in the U.S. The museum’s four floors served as a journey through various chapters of American history, focusing on issues of race and culture. The museum included South African legends such as Miriam Makeba and Hugh Masekela.
The fellowship delegates had lunch with New York City public school principals, fostering cultural exchange. During this session, Mr Msakha Mona presented his Kulani Arts project and delivered a captivating performance. He also took part in a panel discussion with American academics, joined by South African fellows Mr Zamokuhle Magubane, Ms Fezeka Gxwayibeni, and Mr Ndumiso Gwala.
Reflecting on their experiences, Mr Sphelele Ngubane from the Durban University of Technology said, ‘The fellowship challenged my preconceptions, pushing me towards decolonial pedagogies and epistemologies that I had been conditioned to ignore. This introduction has given me the resources and contacts to continue on this path.’
Mr Halalisanani Mngomezulu of the University of the Free State said ‘The National Museum of African American History and Culture empowered my pursuit of racial justice by preserving history and educating me about the systemic racism faced by African Americans.’
‘Our visit to Harlem revealed the resilience of Black communities against gentrification and systemic racism, reminding us of the importance of maintaining their cultural heritage,’ said Magubane.
Msiza said the programme would conclude in December 2023, saying he hopes fellows had acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to drive discussions on racial justice within academia and, crucially, in their respective communities.
He also extended appreciation to Professor Thabo Msibi, a principal investigator, as well as Professors Relebohile Moletsane, Suriamurthee Maistry and Dr Marshall Maposa who were integral members of the Racial Justice Fellowship team.
