ABSTRACT
The constitutive role of science and technology relates to the importance of substantive freedoms and human rights, which include basic capabilities such as being able to avoid deprivations (hunger, food insecurity and premature mortality), as well as the freedoms and human rights associated with information literacy in the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR), and enjoying inclusive decision making. Concepts of science, technology, freedom, justice and development are being gradually redefined, and can now be deployed in ways that fundamentally transform rural development strategies. Consequently, educational theory and practice in South Africa have traditionally consisted of assessments of African languages’ unpreparedness in this regard, of the ways African languages have lagged behind in the intellectual and practical activity encompassing the systematic study of the structure and behaviour of the physical and natural world, through observation and experiment. Liberation movements around the world know that political power lies in the control of energy and natural resources—the stronghold of capitalism and liberalism.
