The myth of postcolonialism in Africa: a call for genuine decolonisation

Arguably, the achievement of independence of most African countries that started in the 1960s ushered in the post-colonial era for Africa. This article explores the myth of post-colonialism in Africa and its ongoing manifestations. The manifestation categories addressed in the article are stolen artefacts and African spirituality, linguicide and ethnocide, the loss of the African naming system, internalised colonialism and beauty standards, and mental health. The authors argue that the most significant barrier to decolonisation and social development remains the denial that colonisation and its attendant colonialism still exist in Africa. Generally, a problem or challenge that is denied cannot be identified and subsequently addressed. Hence, this article fosters critical consciousness of ongoing colonialism, which should lay the foundation for genuine actions towards decolonisation of and in Africa.