In a significant event hosted by the University of Johannesburg (UJ) Library on the 22nd of April 2025, Dr Brian Sibanda unveiled his latest work: The Decolonial Politics and Philosophy of Ngugi wa Thiong’o. This book offers a profound examination of Ngugi wa Thiong’o’s intellectual journey, positioning him not just as a literary figure but as a pivotal philosopher in the decolonial discourse.
Dr. Sibanda’s analysis traces Ngugi’s evolution from a communalist and nationalist to a leading decolonial thinker of the Global South, aligning him with intellectuals like Paulo Freire, Edward Said, and Frantz Fanon. Through his personal exploration of Ngugi’s novels and essays, Dr Sibanda asked himself “What does decolonising of the mind mean to the current youth?” Through is book, Dr Sibanda illuminates how his literary works serve as a medium for decolonial thought, challenging Eurocentric narratives and advocating for the liberation of African consciousness.
The launch event, a collaboration between the UJ Department of English and the UJ Library, underscored the importance of revisiting and reinterpreting African literature through a decolonial lens. It emphasized the need to recognize African writers like Ngugi wa Thiong’o as philosophers whose works contribute significantly to global intellectual traditions.
Dr. Sibanda’s book is more than a literary critique; it’s a call to action for scholars, educators, and students to engage deeply with African philosophies and to challenge the lingering effects of colonialism in academic and cultural institutions. By re-centering African thought, the book contributes to the broader movement of decolonizing knowledge and reclaiming indigenous narratives.
