A comeback for Nama

KAROO NEWS - Three schools in Graaff-Reinet, Narsingstraat, Ryneveld- and Kroonvale Primary schools are pilot schools where the ancient indigenous Nama language is taught.

Nama, also known as Khoikhoi or Khoekhoe is one of three marginalised indigenous subgroup Khoi languages that uses heavy click consonants.

Nama is considered a dying language because of lack of use, but with the help of strategic partners - Eastern Cape Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and Eastern Cape Department of Education, it might soon be a language that is taught in many schools across the province.

After numerous consultative sessions with the Khoisan communities, the Eastern Cape DSRAC launched the project in 2018 to develop the language. The project, 'Trained the Trainees', was piloted in the Sarah Baartman and Nelson Mandela districts.

According to Roseline Kameli, Assistant Director at Languages Section of the department for Afrikaans, Khoi and San, there were numerous training sessions from 2018 to equip the elected trainees to be able to understand and speak Nama.

Leonie Stuurman, a facilitator at Narsingstraat Primary, teaches Nama to children from grade three to seven.

There are four facilitators in Graaff-Reinet; Stuurman, Michelle Hofman and Petrus Japhta of Ryneveld Primary and JayJay Olyn of Kroonvale Primary. They have been facilitating Nama in the Sarah Baartman District from their homes since 2019.

Stuurman's dream is to see fully qualified Nama language teachers in the South African education system.

Leonie Stuurman and her learners. Photos: Neco Bokwe