If what is happening in South Africa is anything to go by, then perhaps
Kenya should begin reconsidering South Africa as a preferred study destination
for its students.
For decades, South Africa has been among the most attractive
higher education destinations for Kenyans, offering world-class universities,
relatively affordable tuition compared to other popular destinations and the
promise of an African education with global recognition.
Today, however, that reputation of Nelson Mandela’s rainbow nation is under
serious strain. The anti-immigration movement that culminated in nationwide
protests on Tuesday, June 30, after activists issued an ultimatum demanding that
‘undocumented’ foreigners, aka makwerekwere leave the country, has created an
atmosphere of fear and uncertainty for many foreign nationals.
Although the South African government rejected the June 30 ultimatum and
maintained that only the state has the authority to enforce immigration laws,
the widespread demonstrations, threats and attacks have inevitably affected
perceptions of safety. This affects both and undocumented migrants and many
Kenyans are coming back home already.
Education diplomacy between Kenya and
South Africa, and South Africa and other African countries has been one of the
biggest gains in its diplomatic work and bilateral cooperation. In fact,
Kenyans and other Africans who study in South Africa pay fees improving
universities’ financial status and the global ranking of those varsities.
For many years, post-independent
South Africa has boasted a vibrant and diverse community of scholars from
across the African continent and beyond. According to Times Higher Education,
popular universities such as University of Cape Town (ranked first in Africa),
Stellenbosch University (joint second), University of the Witwatersrand
(joint second), University of Johannesburg
(joint fourth) and University of Pretoria (joint sixth) have consistently attracted
high-achieving African students. The attraction is their globally competitive
research, internationally recognised qualifications, strong industry linkages
and extensive international partnerships.
South African institutions over the
years generally offered broader research infrastructure, greater international
exposure and stronger global employability outcomes than most universities in
the region. Their magnetism has made South Africa a preferred destination for
students seeking world-class higher education without leaving the African
continent.
However, things ought to change. Why
would many African students flock to a country where they are not welcome? The
anti-immigration march in South Africa compounds everything. Kenyans and other
Africans either need to champion better in universities in their own countries,
or shift focus to places they are more welcome, where even funding is possible.
Many students go to acclaimed study
destinations not only to study but also gain meaningful employment in those
countries. South Africa is so volatile now that students hesitate to seek
enrolment there.
While successful completion of studies may still be
achievable, the prospect of securing meaningful employment or building a
long-term career in South Africa has become increasingly uncertain, making it a
far less attractive destination than it once was.
This emerging reality of xenophobic
attacks and expulsions of fellow Africans, including those students who live in
fear and self-expel themselves, is at odds with the African Union Agenda 2063
and the Continental Education Strategy for Africa (Cesa 2016-2025).
Agenda 2063 envisions “an integrated,
prosperous and peaceful Africa" driven by the free movement of
people, knowledge, skills and innovation.
Cesa seeks to promote academic mobility,
regional integration and the development of human capital through collaboration
among African states.
A continent where students fear discrimination,
hostility, or exclusion when pursuing education across borders contradicts
these aspirations.
Kenya, and in the wider context
African countries, should now invest a more deliberately in strengthening their
own universities.
They should also encourage students to study in countries
that actively welcome international talent, protect foreign students’ dignity
and provide transparent pathways to scholarships, research collaboration and
employment.
Our continent, however, faces very
painful realities, such as the eroded spirit of South Africa as a ‘Rainbow Nation’, metaphor was
coined by Archbishop Desmond Tutu and embraced by President Nelson Mandela to
describe post-apartheid South Africa.
It symbolises the harmonious coexistence
of the country's diverse ethnic, cultural and linguistic groups transitioning
away from decades of racial segregation.
If Africa is to build world-class
universities capable of competing globally, governments must foster
environments where students from every African country are welcomed, protected
and empowered to contribute to the host country's social and economic
development.
Otherwise, the dream of an integrated African higher education
space will forever risk remaining a policy aspiration rather than a lived
reality.
