The team consisted of Professor Magda Minguzzi, Team leader of the IKSBE UNIT), based in the School of Architecture, and Nii Botchway, Visual Arts lecturer.
The event was organised by Paramount Chief Gert Steenkamp and his team. As a First Nation leader involved with the unit, his mandate is to promote the teaching and learning of Khoekhoegowab.
This language, encompassing both Damara and Nama, is widely spoken in Namibia, Botswana, and the Northern Cape. However, due to the settler segregation, dispossession and genocide affecting the San and Khoekhoe peoples, it is no longer widely spoken in parts of South Africa, making its revitalisation essential for cultural identity, social cohesion, and restoration.
Paramount Chief Steenkamp noted the presence of representatives from organisations, such as the Pan South African Language Board and the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, alongside leaders from various Indigenous groups, including King Vivian Kok of the Griqua Royal House. Local government representatives and political organisations also expressed support.
From left, Children in training; Paramount Chief Gert Steenkamp, Prof Magda Minguzzi and Chief Yolene Basson
Chief Yolene Basson of the Gonaqua House of Apollonia described the event as more than a language week, calling it a conference that fostered knowledge exchange and collaboration among stakeholders.
She highlighted the impact on young participants, noting that some children who could not previously speak the language were singing in Namagowab by the end of the event.
“The Language Week was an inspiring cultural opportunity, to exchange knowledge and establish future collaborations among the different stakeholders and knowledge holders.
"Many esteemed colleagues contributed to the discussion and supported the important initiative. I would like to commend also on the exquisite arts performances, like the music, singing and dance performances, especially from the artists arrived from the Northern Cape as Boetles Gewers”, Prof Minguzzi said.
Academics from several universities contributed to the programme, sharing research on Indigenous knowledge. These included Prof Minguzzi, who presented her decennial research on the First Nations Heritage First Nations heritage, as well as contributions from Mr Botchway and Dr Sharon Gabie. Scholars from Sol Plaatje University and other institutions also participated.
The first Oeswana Language Week was launched in 2019 in Kariega and has since been hosted in different provinces. Upcoming events are planned for KwaZulu-Natal in July and Limpopo in October.
IKSBEU supports this initiative and aims to collaborate on future language programmes that promote Indigenous knowledge and strengthen social cohesion, particularly among the youth.
IKSBE UNIT web page: https://iksbeu.mandela.ac.za/