Professor Tshilidzi Eric Nenzhelele, Director of the School of Public and Operations Management in the College of Economic and Management Sciences at Unisa, recently delivered his inaugural lecture titled “I Am Because We Are” – African Ethics, Ubuntu, and the Human-Centred Future of 4IR.

Rooted in African ethics and the philosophy of Ubuntu, his address highlighted the collective forces that have shaped both his academic and professional journey — from mentorship and meaningful encounters to everyday human interactions, both positive and challenging.

Nenzhelele emphasised that his success is not an individual achievement, but rather the product of communities that have contributed to his growth. This recognition of interconnectedness forms the foundation of his broader argument: that the Fourth Industrial Revolution and digitalisation, in their current form, risk alienating African societies if they fail to incorporate African values, ethics, and lived realities.

He pointed to the persistent digital divide across the continent as fundamentally at odds with the principles of Ubuntu, questioning how collective progress can be claimed when large segments of society remain excluded from technological advancement.

Calling for a paradigm shift, Nenzhelele urged both global and African leaders to prioritise inclusivity and localisation in the implementation of digital technologies. He argued that 4IR must not be imposed but co-created — shaped by African voices, designed for African contexts, and responsive to local challenges.

He further positioned African scholars as critical drivers of this transformation, advocating for the promotion of African knowledge systems, the decolonisation of curricula, and the integration of human-centred principles in current and future industrial revolutions.

Reflecting on his milestone as a newly inaugurated full professor, Nenzhelele expressed both pride and introspection. While celebrating the achievement, he acknowledged the limitations of traditional academic pathways that often prioritise publications and metrics over tangible societal impact. He committed to making meaningful contributions within communities and to mentoring the next generation of academics, guided by the Ubuntu principle of uplifting others.

Born and raised in Tshitavha Village in Limpopo, Prof Nenzhelele’s journey is marked by academic excellence and community engagement. He holds a DCom in Business Management (Unisa), an MCom in Business Management (cum laude) (Unisa), a BCom Honours in Business Informatics (Unisa), and a BCom in Business Informatics (Unisa). Beyond academia, his achievements include completing the Comrades Marathon four times and establishing community and entrepreneurial initiatives, including the Tshitavha Community Development Trust and Nyito Sportwear. He was also recognised with the College of Economic and Management Sciences Top Innovative Award 2024 in the School of Public and Operations Management.

His message to aspiring academics is clear: success is built incrementally through collaboration, discipline, and purpose. Drawing inspiration from global leaders, he encouraged scholars to align their actions with their aspirations, contribute meaningfully to society, and support others along the journey. In doing so, he argued, the true essence of professorship and, indeed, Ubuntu is realised.

* By Tebogo Mahlaela, Communication and Marketing Specialist, College of Economic and Management Sciences