Linomtha Nobuhle inspires Cannons Creek pupils with isiXhosa culture

Cannons Creek Independent School welcomed internationally-acclaimed isiXhosa poet, singer, storyteller, actress, and language teacher, Linomtha Nobuhle, who visited their school on Tuesday, September 9. She shared with the pupils and staff how she came from Transkei at the age of 18 with her mother and siblings, unable to speak English, and how she travelled overseas, sharing the importance of isiXhosa through singing, poetry, and acting.

"This language has worked for me," said Ms Nobuhle, encouraging the Grade 4 to Grade 6 pupils to teach isiXhosa one day, even if they are not native speakers. She demonstrated the three main clicks, and then sang Miriam Makeba's Qongqothwane (Click Song), followed by Ooxam baxabene.  This was followed by a feast of traditional isiXhosa food, which the Grade 5 pupils had prepared as part of their lesson, theme 'Siyapheka,' which means “We are cooking.”