From left Prof. Alfred Modise, Dr Khotso Nkhatho, Mr Makhabane Koali, Dr Luzaan Schlebusch.

 

The Central University of Technology (CUT) honoured one of the Free State’s cultural icons, Dr Khotso Nkhatho, under the theme "The Role of Language in Promoting Cultural Identity." Dr. Nkhatho, a strong advocate for preserving Indigenous languages, particularly Sesotho, played a significant role in this field. The public lecture, held in his honour, was more than a tribute; it became a deep reflection on the importance of Indigenous languages in preserving identity and heritage.

Delivering the keynote address at the 4^th Annual Dr Khotso Nkhatho’s Public Lecture was Mr Makhabane Koali, a respected community leader and educationist, who shared powerful insights into the current and future state of Indigenous languages. He emphasised that language goes beyond words and it is a mirror of our surroundings, values, and lived experiences. “Language is everything around us,” said Koali. “From the environment we live into how we connect with others, our culture, our history, our food; it’s all carried in language. If we lose that, we lose our identity.”

He urged the audience to consider how countries like South Korea have become global cultural forces by promoting their mother tongue across all sectors. “Even with multiple dialects, they remain unified by language, and that’s where their strength lies. Their language carries their identity, and the world respects that,” he said.

Mr Koali also highlighted the significance of learning in one's home language, stating that it builds not only an understanding of concepts but also the confidence that leads to better comprehension and deeper academic success. “When taught in our own language, we don’t just pass; we thrive,” he said, encouraging the integration of Indigenous languages into mainstream curricula.

He emphasised the power of media in shaping and sustaining language. “Media should be a tool we use to keep our languages alive through radio, television, storytelling, and music. Let’s not only consume culture; let’s preserve and promote it.”

Mr Makhabane Koali has committed his life to teaching and nurturing young minds. As a former radio tutor, his commitment to holistic development extends beyond the classroom. He has achieved this commitment through many efforts to share valuable knowledge with a wide-ranging audience. He is the current Chief of Ha Kopano, where he upholds traditional values while promoting development within his community. Through his multifaceted roles, he continues to inspire many with his commitment to education, faith, and community upliftment.

CUT’s celebration of Dr Nkhatho was a tribute to an individual and a call to action. As language policies undergo revision, his journey stands as proof that cultural identity can thrive when rooted in the richness of Indigenous expression, which encompasses traditional practices, storytelling, language, and art. His legacy continues to inspire generations of storytellers, educators, and language activists to remain true to their roots.

Dr. Khotso Nkhatho is a strong advocate for Sesotho language and storytelling. He is a respected educator, actor, director, and Sesotho novelist known for his outstanding performances and many roles in the 1980s Sesotho drama Mopheme. His unrelenting devotion to preserving Sesotho via arts and media won him an Honorary Doctor of Communication and Language Practice from CUT.

 

 

Uploaded: 16 May 2025