DVA3701
Assignment 6 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
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.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +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
Assignment 6 Semester 1 2026
Unique number:
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.
DISCLAIMER & TERMS OF USE
Educational Aid: These study notes are intended to be used as educational resources and should not be seen as a
replacement for individual research, critical analysis, or professional consultation. Students are encouraged to perform
their own research and seek advice from their instructors or academic advisors for specific assignment guidelines.
Personal Responsibility: While every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the information in
these study notes, the seller does not guarantee the completeness or correctness of all content. The buyer is
responsible for verifying the accuracy of the information and exercising their own judgment when applying it to their
assignments.
Academic Integrity: It is essential for students to maintain academic integrity and follow their institution's policies
regarding plagiarism, citation, and referencing. These study notes should be used as learning tools and sources of
inspiration. Any direct reproduction of the content without proper citation and acknowledgment may be considered
academic misconduct.
Limited Liability: The seller shall not be liable for any direct or indirect damages, losses, or consequences arising from
the use of these notes. This includes, but is not limited to, poor academic performance, penalties, or any other negative
consequences resulting from the application or misuse of the information provided.
, For additional support +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
