Indigenous Language Imbizo
2 December 2025
University of Johannesburg's Keorapetse William Kgositsile Theatre
Future Tongues // Living Languages:
Decoding the Future of Indigenous Expression
The iPendoring Indigenous Language Imbizo celebrates South Africa’s indigenous languages and their evolving role in education, technology, media, and culture. The 2025 edition will showcase innovations such as AI-powered language tools, children’s literacy apps, indigenous language podcasts, and digital storytelling platforms. Panels, and performances will explore how these languages thrive in the digital age, the role of multilingual media, and projects that safeguard cultural identity. Bringing together educators, technologists, creatives, and cultural leaders, the Imbizo champions multilingualism, creativity, and the future of South Africa’s living languages.
Programme
09:00 – 09:30
Arrival & welcome refreshments
09:30 – 09:33
MC Welcome – Dr Nomsa Mdlalose-Dyantyi, Folklorist, Researcher, Writer, Storyteller & Social Entrepreneur
09:33 – 09:38
Welcome – Neville Matjie, CEO, BrandSA
09:38 – 09:42
Address by Eben Keun – General Manager, iPendoring
09:42 – 09:46
Address Prof Rockie Sibanda – Head of Department, Multilingual Language Services Office (MLSO), University of Johannesburg
09:46 – 09:50
Address Julius Dantile – Acting CEO, Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB)
09:50 – 10:25 (35 mins)
Panel Discussion
Mother Tongue Futures: Reimagining Literacy through Innovation
This panel explores how technology, storytelling, and research are breathing new life into indigenous language education. Communications specialist Sikelelwa Dlanga from the Indigenous Languages Action Forum (ILAF) will speak to the advocacy and community work driving this shift. Co-founders of Limu, Sifiso Danisa and Sphumelele Sibeko, will showcase their interactive children’s app, which teaches African languages through stories, animation, and music. Dr Laurette Marais will introduce Ngiyaqonda!, a literacy tool designed to strengthen reading comprehension in home languages and support early learning.
Moderator: Sikelelwa Dlanga — Coordinator, Indigenous Languages Action Forum (ILAF)
Speakers
- Sikelelwa Dlanga — Coordinator, Indigenous Languages Action Forum (ILAF)
- Sifiso Danisa — CEO & Co-founder, Limu App
- Sphumelele Sibeko — Co-founder & Product Brand Lead, Limu App
- Thando Gumede — IRIS Co-Founder
- Sthembiso Mkhwanazi — NLP Researcher and Developer, Council for Scientific and Industrial Research (CSIR)
10:25 – 11:00 (35 mins)
Panel Discussion
What the Competition Commission’s report really means for SA media
This panel explores how technology, storytelling, and research are breathing new life into indigenous language education. Communications specialist Sikelelwa Dlanga from the Indigenous Languages Action Forum (ILAF) will speak to the advocacy and community work driving this shift. Co-founders of Limu, Sifiso Danisa and Sphumelele Sibeko, will showcase their interactive children’s app, which teaches African languages through stories, animation, and music. Dr Laurette Marais will introduce Ngiyaqonda!, a literacy tool designed to strengthen reading comprehension in home languages and support early learning.
Moderator: Julius Dantile, Acting CEO, Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB)
Speakers
- Chris Mcinga — Author, Co-founder of MeD8, Association of Independent Publishers
- Paula Fray (joining virtually) – Co-founder and CEO of Fraymedia Foundation
11:00 – 11:15
Tea Break
11:15 – 11:25
Performance by Majesty Mnyandu, Zintsomi Storyteller
11:25 – 12:00 (35 mins)
Panel Discussion
Language as Resistance & Where Do Indigenous Languages Go From Here?
This session explores how poets, storytellers and media creators use language to preserve culture while pushing creative boundaries. Dr Nomsa Mdlalose-Dyantyi demonstrates how VR and AR extend oral storytelling into new spaces, Michelle Johnson examines language as a tool of resistance and cultural continuity, and Tariro Ndoro highlights how contemporary writers navigate identity, history and multilingual expression. Together, the discussion considers the future of indigenous languages, from immersive digital storytelling to community-led revival among San and Khoekhoe groups, tracing a path from artistic expression to strategies that keep these languages alive and evolving.
Moderator: Ludwekazi Ndlazi – Founder of FundiAfrika and Co-Cultural Curator at Lit.Culture
Speakers
- Dr Nomsa Mdlalose-Dyantyi (Zintsomi) – Folklorist, Researcher, Writer, Storyteller & Social Entrepreneur
- Michelle Johnson (IFNASA) – Secretary General of the Indigenous First Nation Advocacy South Africa (IFNASA)
- Tariro Ndoro – Epidemiologist, Writer, poet and storyteller
12:00 – 12:10 (10 mins)
Lightning Talk
Are Brands Truly Multilingual?
Stef Adonis, Head of Marketing at Helm, discusses how his AI engine integrates multilingual natural language understanding (NLU) into brand engagement and customer experience.
12:10 – 12:15
MC Closing & Thanks — Dr Mdlalose-Dyantyi
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.