The Unfolding of the Intellectual Activist: An African Philosophical Perspective

Abstract Writing from an African and philosophical position, we argue that intellectual activists require an unfoldment, because they have been hindered by different factors such as co-option and exile. The African philosophy of ubuntu, particularly its epistemic dimension, is used as the basis for unfoldment. We depart from the justified but extremely combative critique of (neo)colonialism, and posit that there is the potential to solve African problems without perpetually blaming colonialism. Using the African Renaissance theory, we emphasise a shift towards becoming better through development and by analysing the question of poverty. Poverty is worsened by development policies, which often remain unchallenged. African philosophy can simultaneously fight colonial discourses on Africa while contributing towards human well-being by situating intellectual activism in the African condition of poverty. Intellectual activists should participate, together with citizens, in the formulation of relevant and practical policies. This requires a reframing of the intellectual landscape in order to stimulate a participatory intellectual project. It enables alternative understandings of what it means to be an intellectual, beyond the usual role of writer. Reframing intellectual activism offers an opportunity to use indigenous languages to make sense of local and lived realities on the ground.