Indigenous Language Imbizo
24 November 2026
University of Johannesburg's Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre
The Indigenous Language Imbizo is an annual gathering dedicated to celebrating, preserving and advancing South Africa’s indigenous languages. More than a conference, it is a collaborative platform where language practitioners, creatives, academics, policymakers, technologists, students and communities come together to explore how indigenous languages can thrive in an increasingly digital and multilingual world.
Rooted in the belief that every language carries unique knowledge, perspectives and cultural identity, the Imbizo creates space for conversations that move beyond preservation towards practical action. Through dialogue, collaboration and innovation, it encourages new ways of ensuring indigenous languages remain relevant, accessible and valued across education, media, technology, business and everyday life.
Hosted by Pendoring in collaboration with UNESCO, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), the Association of Independent Publishers (AIP), the Multilingual Language Services Office (MLSO) at the University of Johannesburg, and the SABC, the Imbizo is a free public event that welcomes everyone with an interest in celebrating, preserving and advancing South Africa’s rich linguistic heritage.
What we've achieved together
Since its inception, the Imbizo has become a recognised platform for meaningful conversations that connect language with culture, technology and social development.
Over the years, the Imbizo has:
- Brought together experts and communities from across multiple disciplines to address challenges facing indigenous languages.
- Sparked conversations around multilingual education, media representation and language rights.
- Explored how emerging technologies can both preserve and transform indigenous languages.
- Created opportunities for collaboration between government, academia, civil society and the creative industries.
- Celebrated indigenous storytelling, performance and cultural expression.
- Encouraged practical solutions that promote multilingualism across South African society.
Each edition builds on the last, creating a growing network of people and organisations committed to ensuring no language is left behind.
Highlights from previous Imbizos
Coming Soon
iPendoring Indigenous Language Imbizo 2026
This year’s Imbizo takes place on 24 November 2026, from 09:00 to 13:00, at the Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre, UJ Arts Centre, Kingsway Campus, Auckland Park.
Inspired by the understanding that indigenous languages express ideas, values and worldviews that cannot always be translated into English, this year’s Imbizo invites participants to reflect on the places where communities gather, knowledge is shared and decisions are made together.
Attendees can expect an engaging morning of keynote conversations, performances and panel discussions. The programme also encourages audience participation, creating opportunities for attendees to contribute their own experiences, stories and perspectives throughout the event.
Whether you are a student, educator, language practitioner, creative, policymaker, technologist or simply passionate about South Africa’s linguistic diversity, the iPendoring Indigenous Language Imbizo offers an opportunity to learn, connect and help shape the future of indigenous languages.
Get in touch
Let’s work together to disrupt the status quo. We’re here to answer any queries or discuss how we can grow the use of indigenous languages in SA.