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 4th Annual Dr Khotso Nkhatho’s Public Lecture was 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.”
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.
He further emphasized 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.”
CUT’s celebration of Dr Nkhatho was a tribute to an individual and a call to action. 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.
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