- Naledi Maponopono, a UCT PhD candidate, was appointed to the PanSALB board by Minister Gayton McKenzie, focusing on advancing indigenous languages and multilingualism in South Africa.
- With expertise in African languages, Maponopono will oversee the promotion of marginalized languages, including Khoi, Nama, and San.
- Reflecting on her journey from Khayelitsha to academia, she highlighted the role of language in uniting South Africans and fostering social cohesion.
Naledi Maponopono, a University of Cape Town (UCT) PhD candidate, has been appointed by the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, as a board member of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB).
This appointment, which spans five years, highlights Maponopono’s dedication to advancing indigenous African languages and fostering multilingualism in South Africa.
“I am deeply honoured by this appointment,” said Maponopono.
“From the time I began my academic career, it has been my goal to serve on this board eventually. This is a testament to my lifelong commitment to advancing indigenous African languages, and I am excited to contribute to shaping the linguistic landscape of our country.”
Maponopono, who has been part of UCT’s academic community since 2011, has devoted her scholarly work to the study of African languages and literatures.
She holds a Bachelor of Social Science degree, with majors in public policy and administration, sociology, and Xhosa language and literature studies.
She also holds honours and master’s degrees in African languages and literatures. Recently, she submitted her PhD for examination, solidifying her role as a leading academic in language studies.
McKenzie praised Maponopono’s qualifications and vision, stating: “Her role on the PanSALB board will include providing oversight and strategic direction. She is tasked with ensuring the board’s fulfilment of its constitutional mandate to promote and develop previously marginalised official languages, sign language, as well as Khoi, Nama, and San languages.
“We trust that she will serve impartially and independently, in good faith, and without fear or favour, as required by the Constitution.”
Maponopono’s journey has been one of resilience. Born and raised in Khayelitsha, she moved to Westlake after the tragic loss of her father. She attended Westerford High School on a scholarship from the Kay Mason Foundation, further cementing her commitment to education and language development.
“As the Sapir-Whorf hypothesis suggests, language shapes our worldview. Each time we learn a new language, we step into someone else’s world and experience their perspective. In a country like South Africa, with its history of racial injustice, language can be an instrument to bring people together.”
Looking ahead, Maponopono emphasised her vision for PanSALB’s role in South Africa’s future.
“I want to be remembered as a board member who used language to unite South Africans under a common purpose of making our country prosper,” she said.
