National Heritage Council

In this article, we discuss South African heritage management, and how it has shaped the role institutions play in protecting heritage 100 years ago versus today. Museums and universities are in a difficult position as they address past unethical archaeology and palaeoanthropology practices while implementing transformation and decolonisation approaches to protect and share heritage inclusively. We outline some of the complexities that museums, universities, and heritage bodies face in navigating human evolution research, site and material access, potential returns, repatriations or reburials, curation and the development of accessible educational content in a contemporary context.

The paper is based on the examination of secondary sources with regard to the role of African indigenous languages in the attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Africa. It is argued that the role of these indigenous languages has been marginalized in the implementation of the MDGs. They are important communication tools which enrich social interaction. The following recommendations, among others, are made: (i) emphasis on the role of ICT in mobilizing African indigenous language tools such as idioms, adages, proverbs, witty expressions and figures of speech for the actualization of the MDGs (ii) Strengthen partnerships between public and private sectors to ensure equitable access to and relevance and quality of ICT for all sections of society, and, (iii) The need to develop and provide materials and software in local languages to foster participation and inclusion of minorities.