Citation

Gibson NC. Soc. Ident. 2017; 23(5): 579-599.

Copyright

(Copyright © 2017, Informa - Taylor and Francis Group)

DOI

10.1080/13504630.2016.1219123

PMID

unavailable

Abstract

The largest student revolt since Soweto 1976, the student movements of 2015, were historic, challenging the lack of serious reform in the university systems and bringing to the fore the question of decolonization. Named 'the Fanonian moment,' it was the latest expression of the disillusion of rainbow politics. Marked by the Marikana massacre and the death of Nelson Mandela, Fanon's name is almost as popular as Steve Biko's and his name is often referenced in newspaper articles. While Fanon's critique of post-apartheid has been well rehearsed in South Africa, this paper considers 'the Fanonian Moment' and the current popularity of Fanon as well as Steve Biko's idea of Black consciousness as critical elements of decolonial liberation. With a focus on the student movements, the paper suggests that Fanon's thought, and his notion of the rationality of revolt, is especially alive in intentional spaces where decolonization and liberation are linked with everyday questions of movement democracy and organization.

Language: en

Keywords

Biko; decolonization; Fanon; South Africa; student movements