Need for Postdigitalization in (South) Africa: Role(s) of Education Leaders

Abstract

Considering the debate on preference between digitalization and postdigitalization, this study which is a concept note is undertaken. This is in attempt to explore the roles of education leaders if postdigitalization is to be preferred and promoted. Digitalization which is characterised by high technology use is regarded as tool for repair and solution to prevailing challenges such as inequality, unemployment, poverty, among others tends not to be experienced optimally as envisaged. Meanwhile, one of its major drivers remains the education sector. Conversely, the concept of Ubuntu which is used to express brotherhood remains a major phenomenon in the African continent. Thus, the need to consider postdigitalization as a remedy towards harnessing some of the benefits of digitalization together with those of Ubuntu. This is majorly because in postdigitalization more of the focus remains on humans which is the case with Ubuntu compared to digitalization which considers technology more than people.The study is limited to a concept note, hence, only relevant literature were reviewed, analysed and presented. It is therefore suggested that a similar study be conducted using qualitative and/or quantitative or mixed method approach where data would be collected from participants. This would aid the retrieval of in-depth information on the subject and possibly, generalization of the results