DVA3701
Assignment 6 Semester 1 2026
Unique number: 108583
Due Date: 17 April 2026
DECOLONIALITY AND THE STRUGGLE AGAINST COLONIAL POWER, KNOWLEDGE
AND BEING: PATHWAYS TOWARDS AN AFRICAN-CENTRED FUTURE
1. INTRODUCTION
Decoloniality is a way of thinking that challenges the deep impact of colonialism on today’s
world. It does not only focus on past colonial rule, but on how systems of power, knowledge
and identity created during colonial times still shape society today. These systems continue
to influence how people are treated, how knowledge is valued and how economies operate,
especially in the global South. Decolonial scholars argue that colonialism did not end when
countries became independent, because its structures remain active in hidden ways. These
structures continue to create inequality, racism and exclusion. The aim of decoloniality is to
expose these systems and to build new ways of thinking and living that respect all people
and their knowledge. This discussion explains the main ideas of decolonial theory, shows
how scholars suggest moving away from coloniality, and reflects on whether these ideas can
work in real life.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
DECOLONIALITY AND THE STRUGGLE AGAINST COLONIAL POWER,
KNOWLEDGE AND BEING: PATHWAYS TOWARDS AN AFRICAN-CENTRED
FUTURE
1. INTRODUCTION
Decoloniality is a way of thinking that challenges the deep impact of colonialism on
today’s world. It does not only focus on past colonial rule, but on how systems of
power, knowledge and identity created during colonial times still shape society today.
These systems continue to influence how people are treated, how knowledge is
valued and how economies operate, especially in the global South. Decolonial
scholars argue that colonialism did not end when countries became independent,
because its structures remain active in hidden ways. These structures continue to
create inequality, racism and exclusion. The aim of decoloniality is to expose these
systems and to build new ways of thinking and living that respect all people and their
knowledge. This discussion explains the main ideas of decolonial theory, shows how
scholars suggest moving away from coloniality, and reflects on whether these ideas
can work in real life.
2. DEFINITION OF THREE MAIN CONCEPTS OF DECOLONIAL THEORY
2.1 Coloniality of power
The coloniality of power refers to how global systems of control were created during
colonial times and still exist today. These systems organise the world in a way that
benefits Western countries while placing others at a disadvantage. Power is not only
about politics but also about the economy and social structures. For example, labour
systems were shaped so that colonised people were forced into low paid or unpaid
work, while Europeans held positions of control. This created a global system where
wealth and resources continue to flow towards powerful nations. The coloniality of
power also includes racial hierarchies where white people are seen as superior and
others as inferior. These ideas still influence employment, leadership and economic
opportunities in many societies today (Stewart 2019).
2.2 Coloniality of knowledge
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
Assignment 6 Semester 1 2026
Unique number: 108583
Due Date: 17 April 2026
DECOLONIALITY AND THE STRUGGLE AGAINST COLONIAL POWER, KNOWLEDGE
AND BEING: PATHWAYS TOWARDS AN AFRICAN-CENTRED FUTURE
1. INTRODUCTION
Decoloniality is a way of thinking that challenges the deep impact of colonialism on today’s
world. It does not only focus on past colonial rule, but on how systems of power, knowledge
and identity created during colonial times still shape society today. These systems continue
to influence how people are treated, how knowledge is valued and how economies operate,
especially in the global South. Decolonial scholars argue that colonialism did not end when
countries became independent, because its structures remain active in hidden ways. These
structures continue to create inequality, racism and exclusion. The aim of decoloniality is to
expose these systems and to build new ways of thinking and living that respect all people
and their knowledge. This discussion explains the main ideas of decolonial theory, shows
how scholars suggest moving away from coloniality, and reflects on whether these ideas can
work in real life.
Terms of use
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document as a guide for learning, comparison and reference purpose,
Terms of use
Not to duplicate, reproduce and/or misrepresent the contents of this document as your own work,
By making use of this document you agree to:
Use this document
Fully accept the consequences
solely as a guide forshould you plagiarise
learning, reference,or and
misuse this document.
comparison purposes,
Ensure originality of your own work, and fully accept the consequences should you plagiarise or misuse this document.
Comply with all relevant standards, guidelines, regulations, and legislation governing academic and written work.
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is" without any express or
implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or liability for any actions taken based on the
information contained within this document. This document is intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes.
Reproduction, resale, or transmission of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
, +27 81 278 3372
DECOLONIALITY AND THE STRUGGLE AGAINST COLONIAL POWER,
KNOWLEDGE AND BEING: PATHWAYS TOWARDS AN AFRICAN-CENTRED
FUTURE
1. INTRODUCTION
Decoloniality is a way of thinking that challenges the deep impact of colonialism on
today’s world. It does not only focus on past colonial rule, but on how systems of
power, knowledge and identity created during colonial times still shape society today.
These systems continue to influence how people are treated, how knowledge is
valued and how economies operate, especially in the global South. Decolonial
scholars argue that colonialism did not end when countries became independent,
because its structures remain active in hidden ways. These structures continue to
create inequality, racism and exclusion. The aim of decoloniality is to expose these
systems and to build new ways of thinking and living that respect all people and their
knowledge. This discussion explains the main ideas of decolonial theory, shows how
scholars suggest moving away from coloniality, and reflects on whether these ideas
can work in real life.
2. DEFINITION OF THREE MAIN CONCEPTS OF DECOLONIAL THEORY
2.1 Coloniality of power
The coloniality of power refers to how global systems of control were created during
colonial times and still exist today. These systems organise the world in a way that
benefits Western countries while placing others at a disadvantage. Power is not only
about politics but also about the economy and social structures. For example, labour
systems were shaped so that colonised people were forced into low paid or unpaid
work, while Europeans held positions of control. This created a global system where
wealth and resources continue to flow towards powerful nations. The coloniality of
power also includes racial hierarchies where white people are seen as superior and
others as inferior. These ideas still influence employment, leadership and economic
opportunities in many societies today (Stewart 2019).
2.2 Coloniality of knowledge
Disclaimer
Great care has been taken in the preparation of this document; however, the contents are provided "as is"
without any express or implied representations or warranties. The author accepts no responsibility or
liability for any actions taken based on the information contained within this document. This document is
intended solely for comparison, research, and reference purposes. Reproduction, resale, or transmission
of any part of this document, in any form or by any means, is strictly prohibited.
