By: Qhawekazi Memani- 26 April 2024

In a bid to celebrate and preserve the South African linguistic diversity and foster inclusive knowledge sharing, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT)’s African Languages Development Unit (ALDU) hosted the two-day SWiP Project Workshop titled “Preserving Languages: Open, Free, and Accessible Knowledge for All”.

The SWiP (SADiLaR-Wikipedia-PanSALB) Project is a collaborative initiative by the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the free internet encyclopedia (Wikipedia), which was officially launched on 20 September 2023. VUT is among the 10 universities selected from the 26 to host this workshop.

Held from 23 – 24 April 2024 at the Centre for Academic Development (CAD)’s Auditorium, the workshop marked a significant step towards empowering South African language communities through active participation in Wikipedia. The workshop provided a theoretical overview of Wikipedia while also offering practical training on how to create, edit, translate and contribute content on Wikipedia.

Under the guidance of Programme Director Mr. Neo Sehlahla and esteemed speakers including, Dr Liemiseng Tjabane, and Mr. Jacob Thamaga, ALDU Manager, the workshop commenced with an air of enthusiasm and anticipation.

The first day unfolded with informative sessions delving into the rich history of Wikipedia, elucidating the foundational principles encapsulated within the five pillars of Wikipedia, and spotlighting the vibrant Wikimedia community along with its myriad support initiatives and projects. Facilitated by the knowledgeable Mr. Bobby Shabangu, attendees were equipped with essential insights and tools necessary to navigate the digital landscape of Wikipedia.

During the workshop participants did practical exercises, aimed at preparing them to master the art of creating user accounts, activating translation tools, and honing their skills in utilizing the visual editor. The afternoon session saw attendees engaging dynamically, accessing diverse languages and selecting articles for improvement or translation, under the expert guidance of Mr. Shabangu. On the first day of the workshop, participants departed with newfound knowledge and a renewed sense of purpose, poised to embark on their Wikipedia journey.

The second day ushered in a spirit of continuity and reflection, as attendees reconvened for a day brimming with hands-on activities and collaborative learning. Led by the capable duo of Mr. Derek Moore and Mr. Matete Lesele, the morning session saw participants actively editing and improving articles, mastering the nuances of translation, and even venturing into the realm of article creation.

In the end, Mr. Thamaga extended heartfelt gratitude to all participants, emphasizing the collective impact of their endeavors in advancing the cause of linguistic preservation and accessibility.

All participants will receive certificates of attendance.