In a powerful demonstration of language, heritage and collaboration, university language specialists have partnered with the Provincial House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders to hold a training programme for Dikgosi (traditional leaders).
The Language Directorate of the North-West University (NWU) played a key role in the week-long programme, held in Rustenburg from 2 to 6 June for Dikgosi from across the North West Province.
The leaders received in-depth training on traditional courts, customary law and civil and criminal procedures, as well the evolving legal landscape following the enactment of the Traditional Courts Act.
Topics covered included the structure of traditional courts, restorative justice, customary marriage, child custody and hands-on moot courts.
What made this gathering even more meaningful was the use of Setswana – both spoken and interpreted. While the facilitators, who were mostly chief magistrates, presented primarily in English, the Dikgosi, as custodians of Setswana, expressed a strong preference to engage and deliberate in their mother tongue. This is where the Language Directorate stepped in, bringing language to life through interpreting.
Bridging words and worlds
Ensuring that nothing was lost in translation, two representatives from the Language Directorate were present during the programme. They were Mmakhuduga Mosenogi, interpreter, translator and stakeholder relations representative, and Hunadi Ramvubela, interpreter and translator.
“What a privilege,” Mmakhuduga said. “We weren’t just interpreting language, we were carrying culture, honouring identity and enabling justice.”
Hunadi echoed the excitement, highlighting how vital it is to see Setswana used in formal and legal contexts. “This wasn’t just work – it was purpose.”
Their efforts did not go unnoticed. Magistrates and chief magistrates from the South African Judiciary Education Institute, who facilitated several sessions on judgment writing and trial procedures, praised the interpreters for their professionalism and the vital role played by the Language Directorate.
The members of the judiciary who facilitated were Chief Magistrate E Ngubane, Chief Magistrate J Ikaneng, Magistrate Bossert and Magistrate Mofokeng.
Beyond the seminar: A growing partnership
This collaboration marks the beginning of a growing relationship between the NWU and the House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders. Next on the horizon is the Setswana Colloquium, taking place from 21 to 25 July, where the Language Directorate and traditional leaders will once again join forces – this time to actively promote and preserve Setswana.
“Setswana isn’t just a language; it’s a vessel of knowledge, tradition and justice,” said Mmakhuduga. “Working alongside the Dikgosi, who are the very custodians of this language, is a step toward embedding Setswana more deeply into academic and governance spaces. Dr Kea Seshoka, director
of the Language Directorate, is a firm believer in collaborations and therefore we are collaborating with several organisations, including government departments.”
As the NWU continues to walk the talk on multilingualism, initiatives such as this bring us closer to a future where indigenous languages are not just celebrated once a year, but are lived, spoken and respected every day.
Mmakhuduga Mosenogi and Hunadi Ramvubela from the NWU Language Directorate alongside representatives from the North West House of Traditional and Khoisan Leaders and the South African Judicial Education Institute – key partners in the Mollo wa Kgotla initiative.
