RANKING PARADOXES: NAVIGATING THE TRILEMMA OF GLOBAL PRESTIGE, AFRICAN CONTEXTUALIZATION, AND LOCAL IMPACT IN SOUTH AFRICAN UNIVERSITIES (original) (raw)

2022, Smangele Evidence Gumede

This qualitative study critically interrogates the complex dynamics between global university rankings, African contextualization, and local relevance in South African higher education. Situated within the broader discourse of globalization, decentralization, and epistemological diversity, this research examines how South African universities negotiate the paradoxical demands of global prestige, African contextualization, and local impact. The study focuses on the intricate relationships between these three competing demands: aligning with international ranking criteria to enhance global visibility and competitiveness; integrating African perspectives, epistemologies, and knowledge systems to reclaim indigenous voices; and addressing South Africa's socioeconomic and development challenges through context-specific research and community engagement. Utilizing qualitative content analysis methodology, this study examines online materials, including university websites, strategic plans, and policy documents. The analysis aims to uncover nuanced narratives and discursive practices employed by South African universities, including rhetorical strategies used to reconcile global ranking aspirations with African contextualization and local relevance. Through this research, researcher seeks to shed light on the power dynamics and tensions underlying the trilemma and explore implications for knowledge production, curriculum design, and community engagement. By examining the complexities facing South African higher education, this study informs policymakers, university leaders, and scholars promoting contextualized excellence and social responsibility in African universities. This study is guided by a theoretical framework drawing from postcolonial theory, critical globalization studies, and epistemological diversity, employing qualitative content analysis of online materials to explore these dynamics.