Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
@thokozanicb.bsky.social
Lecturer | Researcher | Current Affairs
👩🏽🎓PhD Political Studies
📍Lecturer @University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
📚Researching decentralisation, governance, public admin. & policy
💍Living life with husbae & our daughter
👩🏽🎓PhD Political Studies
📍Lecturer @University of the Witwatersrand, South Africa
📚Researching decentralisation, governance, public admin. & policy
💍Living life with husbae & our daughter
Pinned
Hello everyone 👋🏾 This seems like a good time to introduce, seeing as the X/Twitter exodus is gaining momentum.
I’m Thokozani, based in Joburg, South Africa. I’m an academic & research interests in my bio.
I’m looking to follow academics, current affairs, news & all things knowledge.
I’m Thokozani, based in Joburg, South Africa. I’m an academic & research interests in my bio.
I’m looking to follow academics, current affairs, news & all things knowledge.
[Prof] Mahmood Mamdani- ‘Citizen and Subject’ and survivor of the Mamdani Affair at UCT, South Africa.
Zohran Mamdani- Mayor of New York City.
Legacy.
mg.co.za/article/2018...
Zohran Mamdani- Mayor of New York City.
Legacy.
mg.co.za/article/2018...
20 years after the ‘Mamdani affair’, the old adversary rejoins UCT
The academic who took on the university’s ‘bantu’ curriculum has returned, marking a ‘path towards decolonisation’
mg.co.za
November 5, 2025 at 7:01 AM
[Prof] Mahmood Mamdani- ‘Citizen and Subject’ and survivor of the Mamdani Affair at UCT, South Africa.
Zohran Mamdani- Mayor of New York City.
Legacy.
mg.co.za/article/2018...
Zohran Mamdani- Mayor of New York City.
Legacy.
mg.co.za/article/2018...
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
Opinion: As the associate editor of a scientific journal, I am receiving submissions from spurious authors consisting of previously published papers altered by AI. But why, asks Seongjin Hong
#academicsky #academicpublishing
#academicsky #academicpublishing
AI-based fake papers are a new threat to academic publishing
As an editor, I am receiving submissions from spurious authors consisting of previously published papers altered by AI. But why, asks Seongjin Hong
www.timeshighereducation.com
August 15, 2025 at 8:45 AM
Opinion: As the associate editor of a scientific journal, I am receiving submissions from spurious authors consisting of previously published papers altered by AI. But why, asks Seongjin Hong
#academicsky #academicpublishing
#academicsky #academicpublishing
‘He further revealed that the lecturers disregarded UCT’s examination policies by opening stickers containing student names while marking scripts, a violation of standard procedures meant to ensure impartiality.’
sundayworld.co.za/news/uct-lec...
sundayworld.co.za/news/uct-lec...
UCT lecturers give white students better grades, says whistleblower
University of Cape Town (UCT)’s academics in the faculty of social development have allegedly been awarding higher marks to white students
sundayworld.co.za
August 3, 2025 at 6:02 PM
‘He further revealed that the lecturers disregarded UCT’s examination policies by opening stickers containing student names while marking scripts, a violation of standard procedures meant to ensure impartiality.’
sundayworld.co.za/news/uct-lec...
sundayworld.co.za/news/uct-lec...
I’m currently at the International Political Science Association (IPSA) conference in Seoul.
What I appreciate most about this gathering is that I see where my work fits into a global body of work.
I’m glad I came and that I’ve found good communities of practice.
What I appreciate most about this gathering is that I see where my work fits into a global body of work.
I’m glad I came and that I’ve found good communities of practice.
July 14, 2025 at 2:43 AM
I’m currently at the International Political Science Association (IPSA) conference in Seoul.
What I appreciate most about this gathering is that I see where my work fits into a global body of work.
I’m glad I came and that I’ve found good communities of practice.
What I appreciate most about this gathering is that I see where my work fits into a global body of work.
I’m glad I came and that I’ve found good communities of practice.
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
🎓Higher Education🎓
Regional social mobility under threat as universities ignore local applicants for London admissions
Report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) highlights prominent geographical disparities within the university admissions process
theboar.org/2025/06/regi... #academicsky #edusky
Regional social mobility under threat as universities ignore local applicants for London admissions
Report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) highlights prominent geographical disparities within the university admissions process
theboar.org/2025/06/regi... #academicsky #edusky
June 28, 2025 at 7:41 AM
🎓Higher Education🎓
Regional social mobility under threat as universities ignore local applicants for London admissions
Report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) highlights prominent geographical disparities within the university admissions process
theboar.org/2025/06/regi... #academicsky #edusky
Regional social mobility under threat as universities ignore local applicants for London admissions
Report by the Social Market Foundation (SMF) highlights prominent geographical disparities within the university admissions process
theboar.org/2025/06/regi... #academicsky #edusky
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
Widespread use of new tools has ‘blurred lines’ between academic support and misconduct, study finds
#highered #AcademicSky
#highered #AcademicSky
Universities need to ‘redefine cheating’ in age of AI
Widespread use of new tools has ‘blurred lines’ between academic support and misconduct, study finds
www.timeshighereducation.com
June 27, 2025 at 8:56 AM
Widespread use of new tools has ‘blurred lines’ between academic support and misconduct, study finds
#highered #AcademicSky
#highered #AcademicSky
Last week, I had the opportunity to comment on the Oval Office press conference between Trump and Ramaphosa. Some of my analysis is on the DW Africa Link podcast.
Thank you to Deutsche Welle for getting South African perspectives on this debacle.
podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/d...
Thank you to Deutsche Welle for getting South African perspectives on this debacle.
podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/d...
How South Africa debunked Trump's 'white genocide' claim
Podcast Episode · DW AfricaLink · 27/05/2025 · 26m
podcasts.apple.com
May 27, 2025 at 4:47 PM
Last week, I had the opportunity to comment on the Oval Office press conference between Trump and Ramaphosa. Some of my analysis is on the DW Africa Link podcast.
Thank you to Deutsche Welle for getting South African perspectives on this debacle.
podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/d...
Thank you to Deutsche Welle for getting South African perspectives on this debacle.
podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/d...
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
When you submitted an article for review so long ago, you really have no recollection of the article to which the publisher is referring to. 😢
#AcademicSky
#AcademicSky
a woman is looking out of a car window with the words " you sure " written below her
Alt: a woman is looking out of a car window asking- “you sure? " written below her
media.tenor.com
April 21, 2025 at 5:55 PM
When you submitted an article for review so long ago, you really have no recollection of the article to which the publisher is referring to. 😢
#AcademicSky
#AcademicSky
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
2 out of 3.
That’s the proportion of students in my course who submitted faked information in their annotated bibliography assignment this week. #EduSky #AcademicSky
1/n
That’s the proportion of students in my course who submitted faked information in their annotated bibliography assignment this week. #EduSky #AcademicSky
1/n
April 13, 2025 at 5:50 PM
2 out of 3.
That’s the proportion of students in my course who submitted faked information in their annotated bibliography assignment this week. #EduSky #AcademicSky
1/n
That’s the proportion of students in my course who submitted faked information in their annotated bibliography assignment this week. #EduSky #AcademicSky
1/n
I enjoyed this article about why AI is dangerous in the Humanities. It speaks about serious problems with AI, against the tide of people telling academics to ‘embrace’ AI as a teaching tool. I have two more reasons why AI is dangerous for Humanities.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/...
www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/...
The fundamental clash between artificial intelligence and teaching the humanities
AI is ultimately anti-humanities. It is extremely broad, yet shallow. It is anti-reading, anti-writing, anti-complexity. It does not encourage individuals to think critically or write creatively.
www.dailymaverick.co.za
April 13, 2025 at 4:32 PM
I enjoyed this article about why AI is dangerous in the Humanities. It speaks about serious problems with AI, against the tide of people telling academics to ‘embrace’ AI as a teaching tool. I have two more reasons why AI is dangerous for Humanities.
www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/...
www.dailymaverick.co.za/opinionista/...
The issues raised here resonate with me as a black South African academic.
Although SA doesn’t have DEI, it has ‘transformation’ processes that are equally responsible for changing representation & inclusion in various institutions, including higher ed.
podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/a...
Although SA doesn’t have DEI, it has ‘transformation’ processes that are equally responsible for changing representation & inclusion in various institutions, including higher ed.
podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/a...
DEI in Academia
Podcast Episode · Academic Aunties · 12/03/2025 · 56m
podcasts.apple.com
March 13, 2025 at 10:09 AM
The issues raised here resonate with me as a black South African academic.
Although SA doesn’t have DEI, it has ‘transformation’ processes that are equally responsible for changing representation & inclusion in various institutions, including higher ed.
podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/a...
Although SA doesn’t have DEI, it has ‘transformation’ processes that are equally responsible for changing representation & inclusion in various institutions, including higher ed.
podcasts.apple.com/za/podcast/a...
Call for Papers: The Politics of Climate Change Resilience in Africa.
Seeking papers critically examining intersection between African local communities, trade unions, govts & institutions in responses to climate change.
Deadline: 30 May 2025.
bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/gsc/view/jou...
Seeking papers critically examining intersection between African local communities, trade unions, govts & institutions in responses to climate change.
Deadline: 30 May 2025.
bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/gsc/view/jou...
bristoluniversitypressdigital.com
March 11, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Call for Papers: The Politics of Climate Change Resilience in Africa.
Seeking papers critically examining intersection between African local communities, trade unions, govts & institutions in responses to climate change.
Deadline: 30 May 2025.
bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/gsc/view/jou...
Seeking papers critically examining intersection between African local communities, trade unions, govts & institutions in responses to climate change.
Deadline: 30 May 2025.
bristoluniversitypressdigital.com/gsc/view/jou...
One of the highlights of my week was my postgrads explaining a popular saying for me. I told them I Googled it but still couldn’t find the meaning.
They explained the origin, context and proper use of the term 🥲 Without (obvious) judgement 😭
#AcademicSky #Blackademics
They explained the origin, context and proper use of the term 🥲 Without (obvious) judgement 😭
#AcademicSky #Blackademics
February 21, 2025 at 11:21 AM
One of the highlights of my week was my postgrads explaining a popular saying for me. I told them I Googled it but still couldn’t find the meaning.
They explained the origin, context and proper use of the term 🥲 Without (obvious) judgement 😭
#AcademicSky #Blackademics
They explained the origin, context and proper use of the term 🥲 Without (obvious) judgement 😭
#AcademicSky #Blackademics
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
I've just received an invitation from my university's events team to lead a bid to host an international conference. I note that there was not mention of payment for my work in bringing this income to the university. #academicsky
February 18, 2025 at 11:18 AM
I've just received an invitation from my university's events team to lead a bid to host an international conference. I note that there was not mention of payment for my work in bringing this income to the university. #academicsky
Today is the first day of my undergrad and postgrad teaching this year.
Does anyone know if the nerves ever go away, even after years of teaching? 🥲
When I ask some colleagues they say no, the nerves are normal until until.
Does anyone know if the nerves ever go away, even after years of teaching? 🥲
When I ask some colleagues they say no, the nerves are normal until until.
February 12, 2025 at 5:24 AM
Today is the first day of my undergrad and postgrad teaching this year.
Does anyone know if the nerves ever go away, even after years of teaching? 🥲
When I ask some colleagues they say no, the nerves are normal until until.
Does anyone know if the nerves ever go away, even after years of teaching? 🥲
When I ask some colleagues they say no, the nerves are normal until until.
An important lesson I learned this week: don’t mistake non-compliance with system difficulties. Some people will *never* use a system, no matter how simple, because they don’t want to.
Instead of coddling & shifting the burden of more compliance on to those who *always* comply, fix the real issue.
Instead of coddling & shifting the burden of more compliance on to those who *always* comply, fix the real issue.
February 7, 2025 at 8:58 AM
An important lesson I learned this week: don’t mistake non-compliance with system difficulties. Some people will *never* use a system, no matter how simple, because they don’t want to.
Instead of coddling & shifting the burden of more compliance on to those who *always* comply, fix the real issue.
Instead of coddling & shifting the burden of more compliance on to those who *always* comply, fix the real issue.
Trump blaming that tragic plane crash on DEI, reminds me of people in South Africa who say everything inefficient is due to BEE (a version of affirmative action).
Unfortunately, some people believe that you’re only working hard when you work in positions that fit their perceptions of you.
SMH.
Unfortunately, some people believe that you’re only working hard when you work in positions that fit their perceptions of you.
SMH.
January 31, 2025 at 7:50 AM
Trump blaming that tragic plane crash on DEI, reminds me of people in South Africa who say everything inefficient is due to BEE (a version of affirmative action).
Unfortunately, some people believe that you’re only working hard when you work in positions that fit their perceptions of you.
SMH.
Unfortunately, some people believe that you’re only working hard when you work in positions that fit their perceptions of you.
SMH.
It’s not a coincidence that the POTUS entered politics by questioning the birth place of former POTUS Obama, and now seeks to remove birthright citizenship in the USA.
This is absolutely abominable.
And it seems this was the goal from the beginning.
What other politricks are at play here?
This is absolutely abominable.
And it seems this was the goal from the beginning.
What other politricks are at play here?
January 29, 2025 at 4:10 AM
It’s not a coincidence that the POTUS entered politics by questioning the birth place of former POTUS Obama, and now seeks to remove birthright citizenship in the USA.
This is absolutely abominable.
And it seems this was the goal from the beginning.
What other politricks are at play here?
This is absolutely abominable.
And it seems this was the goal from the beginning.
What other politricks are at play here?
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
We're recruiting!
Join History at the University of Glasgow (the best History dept in Scotland and one of the best in the UK) as a lecturer (permanent post, research and teaching) in Asian history 1500-2000.
Please share with suitable candidates.
www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/lecturer...
Join History at the University of Glasgow (the best History dept in Scotland and one of the best in the UK) as a lecturer (permanent post, research and teaching) in Asian history 1500-2000.
Please share with suitable candidates.
www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/lecturer...
January 10, 2025 at 1:02 PM
We're recruiting!
Join History at the University of Glasgow (the best History dept in Scotland and one of the best in the UK) as a lecturer (permanent post, research and teaching) in Asian history 1500-2000.
Please share with suitable candidates.
www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/lecturer...
Join History at the University of Glasgow (the best History dept in Scotland and one of the best in the UK) as a lecturer (permanent post, research and teaching) in Asian history 1500-2000.
Please share with suitable candidates.
www.jobs.gla.ac.uk/job/lecturer...
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
Trump’s bid to buy Greenland is partly based on security concerns about Chinese and Russian access to the Arctic.
#china #trump #buygreenland #arctic
#china #trump #buygreenland #arctic
Trump’s Greenland bid is really about control of the Arctic and the coming battle with China
Trump’s bid to buy Greenland is partly based on security concerns about Chinese and Russian access to the Arctic.
theconversation.com
January 9, 2025 at 3:47 PM
Trump’s bid to buy Greenland is partly based on security concerns about Chinese and Russian access to the Arctic.
#china #trump #buygreenland #arctic
#china #trump #buygreenland #arctic
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
Will chicken be VAT-free soon?
Will chicken be VAT-free soon?
The government is considering adding chicken products to the list of VAT-exempt food items due to the rising cost of living.
www.thesouthafrican.com
January 9, 2025 at 3:53 PM
Will chicken be VAT-free soon?
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
“maybe I’ll do some writing between christmas and new year”
Between christmas and new year:
Between christmas and new year:
December 29, 2024 at 12:53 PM
“maybe I’ll do some writing between christmas and new year”
Between christmas and new year:
Between christmas and new year:
“We hope this time will be positive, that the wreckage will be found and give closure to the families."
Malaysia has agreed in principle to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, its transport minister said, more than 10 years after it disappeared in one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries reut.rs/4iHrUgJ
Malaysia says it will resume search for wreckage of missing Flight MH370
Malaysia has agreed in principle to resume the search for the wreckage of missing Malaysia Airlines Flight MH370, its transport minister said on Friday, more than 10 years after it disappeared in one of the world's greatest aviation mysteries.
reut.rs
December 20, 2024 at 8:06 AM
“We hope this time will be positive, that the wreckage will be found and give closure to the families."
Reposted by Thokozani Chilenga-Butao
A powerful piece of journalism: The Alienation of Jaime Cachua www.nytimes.com/2024/12/15/u...
His Family Voted to Support Trump’s Deportation Plan. That Includes Him. (Gift Article)
His friends and family members in Rome, Ga., voted to support mass deportation. Now he’s scrambling to stay in the country.
www.nytimes.com
December 16, 2024 at 3:12 AM
A powerful piece of journalism: The Alienation of Jaime Cachua www.nytimes.com/2024/12/15/u...