
The lecture was organised in collaboration with the San and Khoikhoi Research Group under the School of Architecture, comprising Gaob Thomas Augustus, Gaos Margaret Coetzee, Gaob Daantjie Japhta, Gaob Brato Malgas, Chief Xam ≠ Gaob Maleiba, Chief Donny November, Paramount Chief Gert Cornelius Steenkamp, Chief Wallace Williams, Gaos Anne Williams and Chief Zenzile KhoiSan.
The importance of using Indigenous knowledge and Indigenous building techniques in the contemporary built environment was emphasised. Paramount Chief Baatjies shared her experience and training in building a Matjies hut, which was subsequently applied in building traditional huts in Mossel Bay, at the Point, where she is the Director of the Point Discovery Centre.

Paramount Chief Baatjies shared her experience and training in building a Matjies hut
“In 2011, we started our first journey to Kubus researching, learning, studying the methods of building these huts and researching the synchronising art of indigenous dancing and spirituality.
“The huts had me captivated because our people stayed in these beautiful, modernised brick houses, but they still built Matjies huts on their plots. So, I wanted to know why … my curiosity had me going back there a few more times until I could weave and build myself”, she said.

Some 200 students, staff, San and Khoikhoi leaders, and professionals at the lecture were impressed by the poetic yet practical lecture, taking us all across the indigenous South Africa heritage and travelling in history as well, said Architecture’s Professor Magda Minguzzi.
Paramount Chief Gail Baatjies, based in Mossel Bay, is the Chairperson of the board for the newly awarded World Heritage Site Cave 13B at Pinnacle Point. Her crucial contribution and commitment were instrumental in securing this award.
In 2012, she received the prestigious acknowledgement of Ambassador of United Nations Peace Advocate from the United Nations for her humanitarian work in Southern and Western Africa.
"We are especially thankful to PC Gail for her vital contribution and valuable knowledge shared. Her lecture had a significant impact on the audience, and it was heartwarming to see the interest of the numerous students, academics, and Chiefs who attended,” Prof Minguzzi stated.