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Sanelisiwe Qayi (pictured above) has always been passionate about indigenous languages. She believes they are instrumental in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation.
But it is at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) where she was given platforms to develop and shine - winning this year's Indigenous Languages Action Forum (ILAF) award.
The ILAF is a network of language practitioners, academics, educators, authors, and artists committed to using indigenous languages as valuable cultural, social, political and economic resources within a multilingual South Africa.
The forum invited young voters who demonstrated dedication and inventiveness in their efforts to protect and promote indigenous languages to create 30-60 seconds videos in their indigenous languages to say why they are voting.
It was required that the video be non-partisan and creative and that other young voters be encouraged to vote, using their indigenous languages. Judges considered message content, clarity, confidence, elocution, video quality, and motivational punch.
Qayi, 21, pursuing an honour's degree in African Language Studies at UWC, entered and her video was among those that came out tops, together with fellow UWC student Zenande Sotenjwa (pictured right).
"Winning the Indigenous Languages Action Forum award holds immense significance for me on multiple levels," said Qayi, a newsreader at radio station Zibonele FM.
"As a Xhosa-speaking individual, it validates the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity, especially in educational and communication settings. As a communication tutor and qualified language educator, this recognition acknowledges my efforts and motivates me to continue advocating for indigenous languages in academic spaces".
Qayi, who also tutors Cultural Information Studies, Humanities, and Communication Studies, says the award also serves as a testament to the value of promoting multilingualism and cultural understanding. These are essential aspects in her aspiration to become a language lecturer.
"The recognition underscores the impact of my work, inspiring me to pursue further opportunities to contribute to language preservation and education," she said.
She added that, considering UWC's commitment to multilingualism and language promotion, this award aligns with the institution's ethos.
"UWC reinforces the shared goal of fostering a diverse linguistic environment within academia and beyond, emphasising the crucial role of indigenous languages in higher education and society. I believe that this is also a big achievement for the institution."
Beyond academics and radio, Qayi is a prominent figure in the pageant world, having received numerous accolades and titles. These include Model of the Year: Queen 2021/22, Miss Definition of Culture Brand Ambassador and People's Choice 2021, Up and Coming Face of Goodness CPT 2021, Miss Teen Local Heritage First Princess 2021, Miss Teen Melanin 2021, Miss Educational 2nd Princess 2022/23, Miss Teen Face of Township 2022/23, and Miss Universities of South Africa Finalist 2022.
"Indigenous languages are not just words spoken, but also bearers of unique cultural, philosophical, and historical knowledge. Studying and promoting indigenous languages contributes to preserving diverse cultural heritages, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity among community members,” she said.
Sanelisiwe Qayi (pictured above) has always been passionate about indigenous languages. She believes they are instrumental in promoting diversity, inclusivity, and cultural appreciation.
But it is at the University of the Western Cape (UWC) where she was given platforms to develop and shine - winning this year's Indigenous Languages Action Forum (ILAF) award.
The ILAF is a network of language practitioners, academics, educators, authors, and artists committed to using indigenous languages as valuable cultural, social, political and economic resources within a multilingual South Africa.
The forum invited young voters who demonstrated dedication and inventiveness in their efforts to protect and promote indigenous languages to create 30-60 seconds videos in their indigenous languages to say why they are voting.
It was required that the video be non-partisan and creative and that other young voters be encouraged to vote, using their indigenous languages. Judges considered message content, clarity, confidence, elocution, video quality, and motivational punch.
Qayi, 21, pursuing an honour's degree in African Language Studies at UWC, entered and her video was among those that came out tops, together with fellow UWC student Zenande Sotenjwa (pictured right).
"Winning the Indigenous Languages Action Forum award holds immense significance for me on multiple levels," said Qayi, a newsreader at radio station Zibonele FM.
"As a Xhosa-speaking individual, it validates the importance of preserving and promoting linguistic diversity, especially in educational and communication settings. As a communication tutor and qualified language educator, this recognition acknowledges my efforts and motivates me to continue advocating for indigenous languages in academic spaces".
Qayi, who also tutors Cultural Information Studies, Humanities, and Communication Studies, says the award also serves as a testament to the value of promoting multilingualism and cultural understanding. These are essential aspects in her aspiration to become a language lecturer.
"The recognition underscores the impact of my work, inspiring me to pursue further opportunities to contribute to language preservation and education," she said.
She added that, considering UWC's commitment to multilingualism and language promotion, this award aligns with the institution's ethos.
"UWC reinforces the shared goal of fostering a diverse linguistic environment within academia and beyond, emphasising the crucial role of indigenous languages in higher education and society. I believe that this is also a big achievement for the institution."
Beyond academics and radio, Qayi is a prominent figure in the pageant world, having received numerous accolades and titles. These include Model of the Year: Queen 2021/22, Miss Definition of Culture Brand Ambassador and People's Choice 2021, Up and Coming Face of Goodness CPT 2021, Miss Teen Local Heritage First Princess 2021, Miss Teen Melanin 2021, Miss Educational 2nd Princess 2022/23, Miss Teen Face of Township 2022/23, and Miss Universities of South Africa Finalist 2022.
"Indigenous languages are not just words spoken, but also bearers of unique cultural, philosophical, and historical knowledge. Studying and promoting indigenous languages contributes to preserving diverse cultural heritages, fostering a sense of belonging and continuity among community members,” she said.
