Academic Genocide: Protecting Knowledge Through Conflict
18:43 21.06.2026 (Updated: 18:44 07.07.2026)
Academic Genocide: Protecting Knowledge Through Conflict
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When genocide reduces universities to rubble, how does a society protect its intellectual future? UNISA's Professor Aaron Tshidzumba discusses the destruction of education in Gaza, the resilience of academics, and why global solidarity is vital to keeping learning alive.
The conversation centers on the concept of "academic genocide" and its devastating, multi-generational impact on a nation's knowledge economy when critical institutions, such as medical and engineering schools, are destroyed. In response, education has emerged as a form of resistance. Palestinian academics, viewing their profession as vital, are maintaining education by utilising mobile technologies, satellite signals, and improvised classrooms to continue teaching despite infrastructure collapse.
This grassroots resilience is supported by global academic solidarity, with international universities stepping in to offer joint qualifications, research scholarships, and institutional support through Memorandums of Understanding and organisations like South Africa's NRF.
Looking toward the future, Professor Tshidzumba emphasises that the monumental task of rebuilding these shattered academic foundations must be spearheaded by formal, collaborative bodies like the United Nations, ensuring a sustainable recovery rather than relying on individual political actors.
“To us as academics, we look forward to see the leadership of the United Nations, because they have proper structures and organizations that they work with […] I think that would be the proper structure to lead on the rebuilding and reconstruction of a country from a war-torn country.” Prof Tshidzumba says.
Do you know what “academic genocide” means?
To find out, you MUST tune in to this Nnete Fela Show.
This grassroots resilience is supported by global academic solidarity, with international universities stepping in to offer joint qualifications, research scholarships, and institutional support through Memorandums of Understanding and organisations like South Africa's NRF.
Looking toward the future, Professor Tshidzumba emphasises that the monumental task of rebuilding these shattered academic foundations must be spearheaded by formal, collaborative bodies like the United Nations, ensuring a sustainable recovery rather than relying on individual political actors.
“To us as academics, we look forward to see the leadership of the United Nations, because they have proper structures and organizations that they work with […] I think that would be the proper structure to lead on the rebuilding and reconstruction of a country from a war-torn country.” Prof Tshidzumba says.
Do you know what “academic genocide” means?
To find out, you MUST tune in to this Nnete Fela Show.
