TOMORROW: UKZN–UNIZULU Philosophy Seminar Series, Wed 3 September, 14h00--15h30: 'Power relations and technological transformations in Africa: A Foucauldian Analysis', Amantle Mothelesi

[M. Whitaker]

UKZN–UNIZULU

Philosophy Seminar Series 

3 September 2025, Wednesday @ 14h00-15h30

Click this Teams link to attend the talk

Power relations and technological transformations in Africa: 
A Foucauldian Analysis 

Amantle Mothelesi 

North-West University-School of Philosophy

Abstract:

The nexus between power relations and technology has emerged as a crucial point of philosophical concern and inquiry in the contemporary, rapidly evolving global landscape. Given the focus on power, it seems appropriate to employ a Foucauldian analysis of the relationship between power and technological development in Africa, given the continent's experience of colonisation which embedded specific colonial power relations that continue to shape its contemporary technological landscape.

 

These philosophical questions become even more pressing in the age of digital technologies, which have seemingly decentralised and transformed power relations. For instance, in Africa, technology serves as a catalyst for social growth. However, power relations are defined and perceived differently based on specific social and cultural contexts. This can be seen regional integration efforts as regards technology, such as the establishment of the Southern African Development Community (SADC), whose policies centralise development through technology.

 

To understand and analyse the impact of technology on society, an important role of the Philosophy of Technology is to study its political dimensions, which involve power relations. Michel Foucault (1926–1984), who focuses on the relationship between knowledge and power in terms of social control, provides valuable insights for this analysis. This study focuses on Foucault’s insights because they lay a foundation for understanding contemporary society and the rise of subjectivity in this context. Integrating Foucauldian understandings of power relations into the discussion offers a holistic approach to technology, essential in Africa's culturally diverse context. By incorporating history, Foucauldian methodologies provide a framework for rethinking metaphysics, epistemology, and ethics. This study thus advocates developing an African Philosophy of Technology in academia from the post-colonial context, influencing policy to support African governments in achieving the “Africa We Want”.

Bio:

Amantle Mothelisi teaches in the School of Philosophy at Northwest University, where here research focuses on the intersections between technology, philosophy, and power relations, with particular emphasis on the African context. With a methodology grounded in critical theory, qualitative research, and interdisciplinarity, her general research interests encompass contemporary African philosophy, philosophy of technology, and ethics

For any queries, please contact:

Monique Whitaker (Whita...@ukzn.ac.za), or
Jason van Niekerk (vanNi...@unizulu.ac.za)