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In addressing transformation, universities in Africa have, amongst various intentions, shifted towards naming and renaming of institutions, buildings and physical spaces. In this chapter, we argue that naming in the African context is rooted in an ideological positioning of self, which reflects identity, heritage, place and the envisioned future. Through centring our project, Imbali yakwa Tyefu, we use the concept, Imbali—historical reference, as a framework to reflect on Nelson Mandela University’s naming and re-naming process. In reflecting on the naming and renaming process, this chapter acknowledges how Africanisation and Decolonisation present challenges around citizenship, identity, inclusion and belonging (Nyamnjoh, Social Dyn 49:349–368, 2023). We argue that there is a danger of institutions replicating the same hierarchical and colonial structures they seek to break down. Noting that transformation and decolonization remains contentious, this chapter stresses that these processes should not reproduce colonial elements and interpretations particularly for African universities and universities in Africa.

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IMBALI—A Historical Reference: A Framework for Reflecting on the Naming Processes and the Identity of African Universities

  • 章节

  • 发表日期：

    2025年

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  • Siphokazi Tau,
  • Xolisa Ngubelanga

摘要

In addressing transformation, universities in Africa have, amongst various intentions, shifted towards naming and renaming of institutions, buildings and physical spaces. In this chapter, we argue that naming in the African context is rooted in an ideological positioning of self, which reflects identity, heritage, place and the envisioned future. Through centring our project, Imbali yakwa Tyefu, we use the concept, Imbali—historical reference, as a framework to reflect on Nelson Mandela University’s naming and re-naming process. In reflecting on the naming and renaming process, this chapter acknowledges how Africanisation and Decolonisation present challenges around citizenship, identity, inclusion and belonging (Nyamnjoh, Social Dyn 49:349–368, 2023). We argue that there is a danger of institutions replicating the same hierarchical and colonial structures they seek to break down. Noting that transformation and decolonization remains contentious, this chapter stresses that these processes should not reproduce colonial elements and interpretations particularly for African universities and universities in Africa.