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This project, a collaborative initiative of SADiLaR, Wikipedia, and PanSALB, recently took centre stage at a workshop at Nelson Mandela University, hosted in collaboration with the Departments of Languages and Literature and Linguistics and Applied Linguistics in the Faculty of Humanities.
The two-day workshop brought together Wikimedians from across the African continent. It focused on leveraging digital platforms to preserve and share African cultures, languages, and knowledge for future generations.
At the heart of the workshop was the “Wiki Loves Africa” competition, which invited participants to submit original media — photos, videos, and audio — highlighting diverse aspects of African culture.
More than a creative showcase, the competition emphasised the importance of understanding copyright laws and proper content licensing, ensuring that shared materials on Wikimedia platforms are both accessible and legally compliant.
Day One centred on brainstorming ideas for Wikipedia articles in participants' mother tongues, paired with media they had uploaded to Wikimedia Commons. This exercise was more than academic; it was a meaningful step toward the digital preservation of African languages.
Day Two saw participants integrating their media into newly created Wikipedia articles on topics ranging from “AmaXhosa Culture” “Idombolo” to “Informal Settlements in Gqeberha.” Each article adhered to Wikipedia’s guidelines for structure, sourcing, and referencing.
The result was a series of well-researched, neutral, and accurately sourced articles that met Wikipedia’s rigorous standards — contributing to the global tapestry of knowledge and showcasing the richness of African cultures.
Participants, ranging from undergraduate to doctoral students, demonstrated how digital tools can preserve languages, histories, and traditions that may otherwise be overlooked or forgotten.
The event also highlighted the strength and diversity of the Wikimedia community, with discussions ranging from educational projects to grassroots initiatives. Attendees shared how they use Wikimedia platforms to teach others, promote local knowledge, and document their own cultures.
The Wikimedia Foundation’s workshop at Mandela University was not just about editing Wikipedia — it emphasised a powerful message: the digital space is not just a repository of information — it is a platform where cultures can thrive, languages can be revitalised, and stories can be told on a global stage.