The North-West University (NWU) Mahikeng Campus Library turned into a space of poetry, oral history and reflection when the Library and Information Service (LIS) hosted its Africa Day celebration on 6 May 2026 under the theme “Our Africa, Our Story, Our Legacy”.
Students, academics and community members gathered to reflect on African identity, indigenous knowledge systems and the role of language in preserving African heritage. For the organisers, the event was also a reminder that libraries are more than repositories of books – they are custodians of memories, culture and knowledge.
Dina Mashiyane, senior manager at LIS, said the celebration sought to create a platform for reflecting on African heritage, storytelling and indigenous knowledge systems in the academic environment.
“The event reminded students and staff that Africa is not merely a geographical place, but a living embodiment of our stories, practices, languages, struggles and heritage,” she said.
The programme opened with a multilingual poetry recital titled “O Mang?” presented in Sesotho and Setswana by two students, setting the tone for discussions on cultural pride and linguistic inclusivity.
Among the highlights was a presentation by Dr Motheo Koitsiwe from Indigenous Knowledge Systems, who shared insights on African indigenous astronomy, known in Setswana as bolepa dinaledi. Student author and poet Bokamoso Nkunyane also reflected on the importance of writing African stories in indigenous languages to address the marginalisation of African languages.
Prof. Neo Lekgotla Laga Ramoupi from the University of the Free State spoke about songs of resistance and liberation during the struggle years, while oral historian Rre Sekopi Tlatsana from the Barolong Boo Ra Tshidi Traditional Council shared the history of the Montshioa and Lokaleng people in Mahikeng.
Dina said the reflections by Tlatsana highlighted the urgency of preserving indigenous knowledge before it disappears with older generations.
She added that LIS plans to continue creating platforms that encourage multilingualism, indigenous knowledge and student engagement through initiatives such as the Library Book Club, storytelling sessions, exhibitions and partnerships with faculties and the NWU Language Directorate.
One of the proposed initiatives includes the establishment of a Setswana Hub at the Mahikeng Campus Library to promote indigenous languages and create accessible cultural learning spaces.
The event concluded with a reflection inspired by Nigerian author Chinua Achebe: “Until the lion learns to write, every story will glorify the hunter.” According to Dina, the quote served as a reminder for Africans to preserve and tell their own stories through their own voices.
Students and the university community gathered at the NWU Mahikeng Campus Library during the Africa Day celebration hosted by the Library and Information Service.
