Ten postgraduate students from the University of Pretoria’s (UP) Faculty of Humanities recently travelled to the University of Konstanz’s (UK) Graduate School Post-Eurocentric Europe in Germany to attend its 2025 Summer School, the theme of which was ‘European Past, African Identity’.

Held from 14 to 18 July, this intellectually rich and culturally resonant programme brought together scholars, postgraduate students and thought leaders from various disciplines, spanning the study of philosophy, politics, languages, ancient cultures, anthropology, history, heritage and tourism. The week-long engagement challenged, reimagined and deepened understandings of identity, history and decolonial futures.

Directed by Prof Dr Albrecht Koschorke, Professor of German Studies in UK’s Department of Literature, Art and Media Studies, and Prof Dr Stephan Mühr, Head of UP’s Department of Ancient and Modern Languages and Cultures, the Summer School served as a platform for dialogue and academic exchange.

The programme included presentations by students from both universities, who showcased their research and offered diverse perspectives on postcolonial identity, memory and the legacy of European modernity. Theoretical engagements on topics such as decoloniality, Eurafrica and restitution provided critical frameworks for rethinking global human rights discourses and epistemic justice.

A visit to the St Gallen Abbey Library, which included an encounter with the Egyptian mummy Schepenese, sparked profound conversations on cultural heritage, museology and the ethics of representation. Participants reflected that continued engagement and intercultural exchange would foster a deeper understanding of Europe’s historical impact on Africa.

During his presentation, entitled “Greek Magical Papyri and the Zulu Ukuthwasa ritual”, UP student Sihe Khumalo spoke about being able to “sit with” tensions between Western and African thought. Mitchell Black, another UP student, echoed this sentiment.

“Our time in Konstanz was almost a fever dream – startlingly beautiful, but marked by a persistent tension named by its subject matter: European pasts and African identities,” Black said. “The legacy of the former and the potential of the latter palpably pulled at one another.”

While many students highlighted the robust level of academic engagement, others reflected on the personal nature of the experience, sharing the importance of cultural exchange and social engagement to foster understanding across continents.

“In addition to the intense discussions and readings, it was the passionate and profound conversations with personal insights during breaks, at dinner and on train rides that made the Summer School an enriching experience,” said Sophie Andelfinger of UK.

“It was fascinating to experience how the South African group brought a bit of Africa and a bit of Europe to Konstanz,” UK student Hilbrand Wouters said. “It was both fascinating and baffling. One night, I found myself wagging along with some South Africans and their Afrikaans-language schlagers [traditional German songs], and couldn’t wrap my head around the spectacle. I suppose this stretches beyond musical fusion; I was occasionally startled by how South African academia continues [to function] under the yoke of European modes of thought – more so, arguably, than most European institutions. It was also just nice to learn with a group of friendly, interesting people!”

It is perhaps this engagement with being human in multifaceted ways that creates fertile soil for deepened understanding.

“The Summer School provided a safe, intellectually stimulating space to critically engage with some of the most contested issues of our time,” said UP student Gwaha Madwatte. “I had a remarkable experience – both academically and personally – as I learned, unlearned and grew through the rich exchanges and diverse perspectives. The experience has left a lasting imprint on my journey; I hope this partnership continues, as it offers invaluable opportunities for transformative learning.”

The week ended on a high note with a guided tour of the city of Konstanz and a historical reflection led by Prof Dr Kirsten Mahlke, Chair of Cultural Theory and Cultural Studies Methods in UK’s Department of Literature, Art and Media Studies. The tour explored Konstanz’s colonial past, prompting discussions on the visibility and erasure of colonial histories in European urban spaces.

Beyond academic exchange, the Summer School fostered a spirit of collegiality and intercultural dialogue, culminating in reflective discussions that emphasised the importance of building scholarly communities across borders.