The workshop themed: Preserving Languages: Open, Free, and Accessible Knowledge for All, is part of the SWiP (South African Wikipedia in Indigenous Languages Project) initiative, aims to empower students and academics to contribute content in indigenous languages on Wikipedia to promote linguistic diversity and digital inclusivity.
Director of Academic Support Services at UMP, Dr Maria Madiope, emphasised the importance of integrating African languages into the digital landscape.
“This workshop is very important for the University, especially in terms of multilingualism and the digitisation of African languages. We are actively implementing the National Language Policy Framework, and this workshop supports our commitment to intellectualise and elevate all languages spoken within Mpumalanga province,” she said.
Dr Madiope further encouraged students to seize the opportunity, stressing that the university’s language policy recognises multiple languages, including South African Sign Language.
“This is not about prioritising one language over another. Every language matters – isiNdebele, Siswati, Sepedi, and more. I hope today’s engagement sparks more interest in research, especially on how digital platforms can support sign languages."
Ms Emily Mahlangu from PanSALB said: “PanSALB encourages the utilisation of Wikipedia as it offers a powerful platform for the preservation of Indigenous languages. This project aligns with UNESCO’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032), and we hope that it will help increase the digital footprint of underrepresented South African languages,” she explained.
The SWiP workshop empowered students and academics with the knowledge to contribute content in Indigenous languages on Wikipedia.
Executive Director of Wikimedia South Africa, Mr Herschal Jackson, offered an overview of Wikipedia’s founding, principles, and global reach. “Wikipedia was created to make human knowledge freely accessible. Unfortunately, most contributions come from Europe and are in English. We need more local voices. Wikipedia supports all 11 official South African languages, and we encourage everyone to start contributing in their mother tongue,” he said.
Mr Jackson outlined practical steps for participants to create user accounts, join the Wikipedia dashboard, and begin editing and translating content, adding, “Volunteers are the heart of Wikipedia. Every article in isiZulu, Siswati or any local language is a step toward inclusivity and representation.”
UMP students found the workshop highly valuable and relevant to their academic pursuits. Ms Andisiwe Vilakazi, an Honours student at UMP, said the workshop will contribute to writing her articles in isiZulu, her home language.
"It would be beneficial for me and will be to many other students who find local language content more relatable. I appreciated the PanSALB booklet with writing rules – a helpful guide.”
Master’s student Catherine Sitoe, who is researching gaps in the Siswati curriculum for Grades 10 to 12, echoed the same sentiments. “The workshop was enlightening. It gave me practical tools and a deeper understanding of language preservation. This knowledge will directly support my research and help me develop solutions to strengthen Siswati in the education system,” she said.
The SWiP workshop marks a significant milestone in UMP’s ongoing commitment to multilingualism, digital innovation, and the preservation of South Africa’s rich linguistic heritage.
Story by Cleopatra Makhaga. Pictures @ChrisplPhoto