The North-West University’s (NWU’s) Indigenous Language Media in Africa (ILMA) research entity will be hosting a public lecture in hybrid format on indigenous language broadcasting on 17 March 2022.

Dr Noxolo Grootboom, veteran broadcaster and retired SABC isiXhosa news anchor, will be giving her talk via Zoom while attendees will gather on the NWU’s Mahikeng Campus to listen to and interact with her. 

Dr Grootboom boasts more than 30 years experience in broadcasting. The legendary anchor inspired the nation through her stellar news reading skills and iconic sign-off – “Ndinithanda nonk’ emakhaya” – that enlivened many homes every night. Her sense of humor glued many indigenous language lovers to their television sets, and her dexterity even won over non-isiXhosa speakers too.

Even President Cyril Ramaphosa honoured Dr Grootboom by delaying his scheduled address earlier in 2021 not to coincide with her final news bulletin.

According to the director of the ILMA research entity, Prof Abiodun Salawu, the event is a rare privilege.

“Hosting a veteran isiXhosa news anchor with outstanding contributions to indigenous languages media in South Africa is an exceptional honour.

“We are looking forward to her sharing her wealth of experience in the broadcast industry and anchoring an indigenous African language programme with us,” says Prof Salawu. 

The public lecture will take place at 16:00 on 17 March. Interested parties can join via Zoom.

Link: https://zoom.us/j/9241213848?pwd=bC93SWczakZ0Mjh6cXQvRDRnSHE5QT09

Meeting ID: 924 121 3848

Passcode: 576157