Newrene Klaaste, a South African MP, urged for urgent implementation of a bilateral agreement for preserving the Nama language during her remarks in Windhoek. She warned of the language’s potential extinction without dedicated efforts from both governments. A high-level South African delegation is visiting Namibia to learn best legislative practices, while emphasizing the importance of cultural heritage and historical justice for Nama-speaking communities.
Newrene Klaaste, a member of the South African parliament, has called for immediate action to implement a bilateral agreement for the preservation of the Nama language between Namibia and South Africa. During her remarks in Windhoek, she emphasized the cultural significance of the language, warning that it could vanish without dedicated efforts from both nations.
Klaaste highlighted that the agreements encompass education and the preservation of the Nama language, urging for an assessment of the progress made. She expressed concern that without proactive measures taken to safeguard the Damara-Nama language, its extinction is imminent.
The statement came during a visit of a high-level South African delegation to Namibia, consisting of 19 legislature members, the secretary to the legislature, and 20 officials. The purpose of this visit is to benchmark best practices on various legislative processes, with the aim of enhancing systems and processes in their own legislature.
This delegation also seeks to strengthen cooperative ties and mutual development between South Africa and Namibia. Klaaste asserted that preserving the language is not merely a cultural issue, but is essential for future generations to inherit their linguistic and historical identity.
She stressed that the bilateral agreement should yield tangible outcomes rather than remaining a mere document. Furthermore, she pointed out the historical injustices faced by Nama-speaking communities in South Africa, noting the displacements during apartheid and the need to restore and preserve their heritage.
In addition, Klaaste proposed creating an exchange program between Namibia and South Africa to foster the sharing of knowledge and strategic practices between the two parliamentary bodies.
– Sakeus Ikela is an information officer with the National Assembly
In conclusion, the urgent call from Newrene Klaaste underscores the critical need for action in implementing the bilateral agreement on the Nama language. By recognizing the cultural significance and historical injustices faced by Nama-speaking communities, efforts must be directed towards practical outcomes and cooperative exchanges between Namibia and South Africa to preserve this invaluable heritage for future generations.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
