Mzansi Taal


Meet the Team

Tumisang Moumakoe
Founder || General Manager and General Lingo Data Capturer

Language develops at a rapid rate because of multilingualism and new age technology. This has brought about thousands of new words and phrases which are used by millions of people in various communities across South Africa. In order to stay ahead it is essential for language research to collect as much data as possible.

A re chooneng spane.

Dr Napjadi Letsoalo
Lead Academic Researcher

Dr Napjadi Letsoalo, a senior lecturer at the University of South Africa, with a PhD in Linguistics. His research focuses on paremiology, indigenous languages and gender, language development, and youth registers. He was recognized as the Young Linguist of the year by the Linguistics Society of Southern Africa in 2017. In 2018, he received the Best Paper award at the Language, Literature, and Linguistics International Conference in Singapore. In 2019, he was honored with the Excellence Award in Tuition by the University of South Africa, followed by winning the best paper award at the National Institute for the Humanities and Social Sciences doctoral conference in 2020. Further, in 2022, he clinched the Best Digital Humanities Collection: Community Engagement and was a finalist in the Mail & Guardian 200 Young South Africans. Recently, in 2024, he was awarded the Pan South African Language Board Multilingualism Award in the Youth Category.

Ahhhh byanong lena die man a le mjaje; mfana’ kajeko, authi e dese, mjita wao se frostane guguranche.

Dr Kganathi Shaku
Academic Project Leader

Kganathi Shaku is a researcher and language expert with diverse background in linguistics (general and applied linguistics). Holding a PhD in Languages, Linguistics and Literature, Kganathi currently holds the position of a senior lecturer in the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages, at the University of South Africa (UNISA)’s College of Human Sciences. Alongside his lectureship and being a researcher, he leads academic projects such as Language Festival, Unisa Children’s Literature Project, and Skills Training for Corpus Building and Presentation (also known as Mzansi Taal Project), which promote research and engaged scholarship in line with the standards set by the Council of Higher Education. His strategic vision is on the preservation, promotion, and development of South African languages, more especially the previously marginalised. He is an Associate-Editor for Unisa Multilingual Proverbs Dictionary.

Ha ke le dese, se ke dese, o ka se ndesolle, wa nhlaologanya? All over.

Dr Dakalo Takalani
Academic Researcher

Dr D Takalani is a lecturer at the University of South Africa under the Department of Linguistics and Modern Languages. She holds the following qualifications: 

  • PhD in Linguistics, Languages and Literature (University of South Africa, 2023)
  • Master of Arts in Translation Studies and Linguistics (University of Limpopo, 2011)
  • Post-Graduate Diploma in Public Management (North-West University, 2019)
  • Bachelor of Arts (University of Limpopo, 2008).

Her PhD study focused on how the translation of the Bible in Tshivenda contributed to the development and Intellectualisation of the language. Her fields of interests are Bible Translations, Literary Translation: Investigating the challenges and methodologies of translating literary texts across languages and cultures, Translation Theory: Developing and refining theoretical frameworks that underpin the practice and study of translation and  Sociolinguistics: Exploring the role of social context in translation and the impact of translation on societal discourse. Dr Takalani takes pride in being part of this innovative project of Mzansi Taal and believes that it is through projects of this nature where we will witness the promotion and preservation of African Languages. 

“A ye duma ya tsamaya, rise Mzansi Taal rise”. 

Jimmy Mabina
Project Coordinator

Jimmy Mabina is the epitome of hard work and dedication, embodying the values of perseverance and resilience throughout his life and career. Born and Raised in a rural area called Mohodi Ga Manthata.  A graduate from the University of Limpopo and currently furthering his studies with the University of South Africa. From a young age, Jimmy was fascinated by the diversity of human experiences and the intricate ways in which culture shapes our world. He aims to make significant contributions to the fields of cultural anthropology, ethnography, and social anthropology which is characterized by a deep commitment to understanding the complexities of human behaviour, social structures, and cultural practices across diverse communities.

Culture and language are intrinsically intertwined and play a crucial role in shaping individual and collective identities. Culture encompasses the beliefs, customs, arts, and social institutions of a group, while language is the primary medium through which these elements are expressed and transmitted. Together, they foster a sense of belonging and community, preserving the heritage and historical experiences of a people. Language allows for the sharing of ideas, emotions, and traditions, enabling continuity and innovation within a culture. Moreover, the diversity of languages and cultures enriches global interactions, promoting empathy, understanding, and collaboration across different societies. In essence, culture and language are vital for maintaining the fabric of human civilization, ensuring the perpetuation of knowledge, values, and connections among generations.

“ke monate thata”

Kealeboga Sello
Researcher/ Data Capture

My name is Kealeboga Sello, a graduate from the College of Economic & Management Sciences (UNISA) , I am a language activist, an advocate for colloquial language, and I believe that language is a gate way into people’s lives. Language is bridge to connect people from different ethnicity, cultural and racial backgrounds. Language is a tool we use to connect to the world. I believe language has the power to break social and education backgrounds to enable all of us to reach greater frontiers. Let’s embark on a journey of self-discovery through the lens of Mzansi Taal

Language e massive, ko chaela waar ngwana ko gae, geleza through Mzansi Taal obe wete,bona Dilo Stofong.

Mamohlotlo Mothiba
Researcher

Miss Mamohlotlo Mothiba is a lecturer at the North-West University, Mahikeng Campus. I am a PhD candidate in Communication studies and graduated with a Master of Arts in Media studies.

The emergence of the new technology’ era has not only changed the way we communicate but also influenced how we use languages and how we communicate using languages. This has been my interest, on how languages are used , especially on digital platforms such as social media. I believe we have a new language on  digital platforms. A language used and understood on the streets of social media

“Motase ke Letase ka Batase.“

Thabisile Mchunu
Academic Researcher

Thabisile Mchunu is a lecturer at the University of South Africa in Department of African Languages, with a Masters in isiZulu (Linguistics).

My goal is to alter the way people view our languages and make sure that every African language is spoken on all platforms that support and maintain language diversity. When I was studying African history amid the linguistic hurdles of apartheid at the University of KwaZulu-Natal for my honors, I fell in love with translation and made a self-promise that no one would be denied access to information. I have participated in the process of developing language, and I will keep searching for ways to make the procedures better and more efficient for our communities.

“ska wara ntwana, we will get where we are going”

Neliswa Mzimba
Researcher

Ms Neliswa Mzimba is a Language Practitioner by profession whose interest has always been to preserve and contribute towards advancing indigenous languages. Through her involvement in translation, she has played her part in ensuring that indigenous languages receive the social status they deserve, and that information is accessible in these languages. She is currently lecturing at the University of South Africa (UNISA) and studying towards her master’s degree in Translation Studies focusing on translation of culture.
Ms Mzimba is ecstatic and takes pride in being part of the Mzansi Taal project which will hopefully demonstrate to young people that language is far from being boring.
“I believe that language is power in any nation, and it is a tragedy when one becomes extinct. In its nature language progresses, it is never static, especially in a country as diverse and as colourful as South Africa. Language borrows words and creates new ones through contact and most likely gets rid of complex grammar rules in conversations that go on in social and more casual and youthful settings. This does not have to be a loss but a gain. I think all lingua franca deserve recognition and must be recorded in written form. The rich heritage of our rainbow nation must be appreciated and it is most fascinating when observed through the growth and behavior of its languages.”
“Beke le beke, bantase, this is a constant movement. Azishe!”

Mmagonkahloleng Brudence Makua
Academic Researcher

Mmagonkahloleng Brudence Makua is a PhD candidate in Lexicography, and a Master’s graduate in Linguistics and Translation studies. I am a Lecturer in the Department of English studies and Comparative Literature at University of Fort Hare, East London Campus. I also work as a Sepedi Language specialist at Department of Basic Education where we develop language-appropriate assessments aligned to the newly developed reading benchmarks and developing South African languages. My Areas of Interest: Lexicography, Linguistics, and Translation studies. I am delighted to be part of Mzansi Taal because my main area of interest is in the compilation of dictionaries. Dictionaries help us in reading and writing, and to enhance our vocabulary. A dictionary can be used to look up the meaning of a word. You can also use a dictionary to check the spelling of a word. Dictionaries may also give other information about words, such as word type and word origin. What excites me In Mzansi Taal is the fact that we do not create words/phrases, but rather capture language in the way that it is being spoken or written by the users on social media platforms.

 

10 past 12 kakakaaa ka 1 tao ya go se felele

Rachel Mmapitso Maboa
Academic Researcher

My name is Rachel Mmapitso Maboa. I am a lecturer at the University of South Africa, Muckleneuk Campus. I am currently doing PhD in Linguistics. My research interests include sociolinguistics, generative syntax, morphology, and phonetics. Many languages are going into extinction mainly because of lack of usage and documentation. It gives me joy to be part of this dedicated team, making remarkable efforts to preserve and document South African colloquial Taal. As a language practitioner involved in sociolinguistics projects, I have realised that what the Mzansi Taal team is doing is exceptional in a sense that their hard work will live to tell a good tale more especially to many generations to come.
“Ska ova thata bra yaka, spane sa hao se tlo go buella”

Karabo Mafetsa
Academic Researcher

My name is Karabo Mafetsa, and I am a Master’s student in the field of Translation and Linguistics. I am also a lecturer in the Department of Linguistics and Modern languages at UNISA, Muckleneuk Campus.

If you were to ask what pushes me daily in the world of academia, my response would easily be the passion that burns in my heart to explore the intricate connection between language, identity, and culture. My belief is that the three are intertwined and influence one’s sense of self and belonging more than people think. This deeply rooted passion can be traced back to the days in high school where my heart was drawn to the art of compelling speeches in language related subjects like Sepedi and English. I knew then that the fascination would not die down but rather ignite a spark that helped me to find my feet in the field.

That then explains my interest in being a part of Mzansi Taal where I get to not only learn about South African Taal, but partner in the promotion of the rich linguistic diversity that exists in our country. More than anything, this is also an opportunity to change people’s outlook on languages and foster meaningful dialogue with people from different walks of life. There is a saying that comes to mind that says that “language is the road map of a culture. It tells you where its people come from and where they are going.” I share the same sentiments as the author because our languages act as identity markers.

“O ska re he dilo tsa hao di zaile wet,wa tseela mapara a mangwe ko tlase”

Natalie Madise
Kaap Lingo Data Capturer

My name is Natalie Madise, 39 years old and born in Cape Town, South Africa.

I have a Bachelors degree in Communication Science and currently pursuing an Honours degree in Integrated Organisational Communication.

Hailing from the Cape flats, my mother tongue is Afrikaans and I am fluent in “kombuis Afrikaans” or as they call it “Mengels” /”Afrikaaps”, or “Englikaans”.

“Ek is lief vir my taal, en al die variasies daarvan is ewe belangrik vir my.“

Matsea Freddy Mogano
Sepedi Data Capturer

“Number plate ya ka” ke Matsea Freddy Mogano. Mogano is my family bar, the bar from my underground gang. I have a Masters in Translation and Linguistics waiting to graduate for Masters.

Imagine living without language. Among other things, what would one use to express himself? What would one use to communicate our culture to others? Didn’t I use language to write this profile? Suffice to conclude that lingo is one of tools for survival. I am hooked up by seasoned languages (slangs) that are used on social media. For me, plain language looks like a refrigerator which hosted an “all white party”🤣.

“Let’s operate something guyzen. Danko!“

Mapule Somo
Operations and General Lingo Data Capturer

I believe in the wealth of education and investing in people. Language forms a massive part of human history. South Africa’s richness in diversity affords a delving into language in a unique manner. My background in communication science has developed within me a love for words and language all the more.

“Ke ngwana wa ko kasi, ke vrostana mafoko and learning saat!“