Artificial intelligence in South African universities: curriculum transformation and decolonisation—aid or obstacle?
The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in South African universities presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly within the context of curriculum transformation and decolonisation. This paper critically examines the relevance of AI in relation to the #FeesMustFall movement, whi...
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Frontiers Media S.A.
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Frontiers in Sociology |
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| Online Access: | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2025.1543471/full |
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| author | Charles Maimela Palesa Mbonde |
| author_facet | Charles Maimela Palesa Mbonde |
| author_sort | Charles Maimela |
| collection | DOAJ |
| description | The integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in South African universities presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly within the context of curriculum transformation and decolonisation. This paper critically examines the relevance of AI in relation to the #FeesMustFall movement, which advocates for equitable access to education, and explores how these themes intersect with decolonisation efforts in South Africa. Although AI technologies promise advantages like tailored learning experiences, improved administrative processes, and enhanced research capabilities, they also present issues related to epistemic bias, digital disparities, and the reinforcement of Western-centric knowledge systems. Grounded in empirical research, this study investigates whether AI serves as an aid or an obstacle in South African higher education, with a specific focus on Historically White Universities (HWUs) and Historically Black Universities (HBUs). Using the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory as a framework, the research explores disparities in AI adoption across institutions, analysing infrastructural constraints, policy gaps, and the broader implications of AI for knowledge production. The findings reveal that while HWUs have made significant strides in AI integration due to better funding and international collaborations, HBUs continue to face systemic barriers that hinder equitable access to AI-driven learning tools. Moreover, AI’s reliance on Western datasets and epistemologies risks perpetuating digital colonialism, complicating ongoing efforts to decolonise the curriculum. This paper underlines the urgent need for Afrocentric AI models that align with local contexts and values, inclusive policy frameworks that address the needs highlighted by #FeesMustFall, and targeted investments in digital infrastructure. By doing so, it aims to ensure that AI contributes meaningfully to higher education curriculum transformation and decolonisation in South Africa. |
| format | Article |
| id | doaj-art-e516e4b229ca431eb23306d1b751f7d4 |
| institution | DOAJ |
| issn | 2297-7775 |
| language | English |
| publishDate | 2025-07-01 |
| publisher | Frontiers Media S.A. |
| record_format | Article |
| series | Frontiers in Sociology |
| spelling | doaj-art-e516e4b229ca431eb23306d1b751f7d42025-08-20T02:43:39ZengFrontiers Media S.A.Frontiers in Sociology2297-77752025-07-011010.3389/fsoc.2025.15434711543471Artificial intelligence in South African universities: curriculum transformation and decolonisation—aid or obstacle?Charles MaimelaPalesa MbondeThe integration of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in South African universities presents both opportunities and challenges, particularly within the context of curriculum transformation and decolonisation. This paper critically examines the relevance of AI in relation to the #FeesMustFall movement, which advocates for equitable access to education, and explores how these themes intersect with decolonisation efforts in South Africa. Although AI technologies promise advantages like tailored learning experiences, improved administrative processes, and enhanced research capabilities, they also present issues related to epistemic bias, digital disparities, and the reinforcement of Western-centric knowledge systems. Grounded in empirical research, this study investigates whether AI serves as an aid or an obstacle in South African higher education, with a specific focus on Historically White Universities (HWUs) and Historically Black Universities (HBUs). Using the Diffusion of Innovation (DOI) theory as a framework, the research explores disparities in AI adoption across institutions, analysing infrastructural constraints, policy gaps, and the broader implications of AI for knowledge production. The findings reveal that while HWUs have made significant strides in AI integration due to better funding and international collaborations, HBUs continue to face systemic barriers that hinder equitable access to AI-driven learning tools. Moreover, AI’s reliance on Western datasets and epistemologies risks perpetuating digital colonialism, complicating ongoing efforts to decolonise the curriculum. This paper underlines the urgent need for Afrocentric AI models that align with local contexts and values, inclusive policy frameworks that address the needs highlighted by #FeesMustFall, and targeted investments in digital infrastructure. By doing so, it aims to ensure that AI contributes meaningfully to higher education curriculum transformation and decolonisation in South Africa.https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2025.1543471/fullartificial intelligencehigher educationcurriculum transformationdecolonization4th industrial revolutioninclusive education |
| spellingShingle | Charles Maimela Palesa Mbonde Artificial intelligence in South African universities: curriculum transformation and decolonisation—aid or obstacle? Frontiers in Sociology artificial intelligence higher education curriculum transformation decolonization 4th industrial revolution inclusive education |
| title | Artificial intelligence in South African universities: curriculum transformation and decolonisation—aid or obstacle? |
| title_full | Artificial intelligence in South African universities: curriculum transformation and decolonisation—aid or obstacle? |
| title_fullStr | Artificial intelligence in South African universities: curriculum transformation and decolonisation—aid or obstacle? |
| title_full_unstemmed | Artificial intelligence in South African universities: curriculum transformation and decolonisation—aid or obstacle? |
| title_short | Artificial intelligence in South African universities: curriculum transformation and decolonisation—aid or obstacle? |
| title_sort | artificial intelligence in south african universities curriculum transformation and decolonisation aid or obstacle |
| topic | artificial intelligence higher education curriculum transformation decolonization 4th industrial revolution inclusive education |
| url | https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fsoc.2025.1543471/full |
| work_keys_str_mv | AT charlesmaimela artificialintelligenceinsouthafricanuniversitiescurriculumtransformationanddecolonisationaidorobstacle AT palesambonde artificialintelligenceinsouthafricanuniversitiescurriculumtransformationanddecolonisationaidorobstacle |