Induku enhle igawulwa ezizweni as a premise for curriculum transformation

Abstract

This paper aims to illustrate the African way of producing knowledge as a foundation for curriculum transformation. I use the isiZulu proverb, induku enhle igawulwa ezizweni (a beautiful rod is found in faraway lands), to show a different conceptualisation of reality and knowledge by African people in general and amaZulu in particular. This conceptualisation is used to show how curriculum transformation can be developed from an African perspective. This changes the trajectory of knowledge production in the academy – the body of scholars, which is centred on Western epistemology. I conclude by arguing that taking knowledge production processes outside Western epistemology plays a pivotal role in curriculum transformation to the extent that we transcend the Western canon and open it up to the canon of knowledges for the betterment of our society.