Newrene Klaaste, a South African parliament member, has advocated for the immediate implementation of a bilateral agreement between Namibia and South Africa to protect the Nama language, warning that it could disappear without proactive efforts. During a high-level study visit to Namibia, she highlighted the need for tangible outcomes from this agreement and proposed an exchange program to improve collaboration between the two nations.
Newrene Klaaste, a member of the Northern Cape Provincial Legislature, has urged for immediate action to enforce a bilateral agreement aimed at safeguarding the Nama language between Namibia and South Africa. Speaking in Windhoek, she emphasized that the absence of concrete efforts from both nations could result in the extinction of this essential aspect of regional cultural heritage.
Klaaste’s comments came during a visit by a South African delegation to Namibia for a benchmark study at the National Council. The group includes 19 legislature members, alongside officials and support staff, convening to discover effective practices related to governance and legislative processes that will potentially benefit their home institution.
She pointed out that Germany’s objective went beyond preservation, underscoring the necessity for future generations to retain their linguistic and historical identity. Klaaste called for the execution of their agreements, warning that they should not exist merely as formal documents lacking actionable results.
Moreover, Klaaste addressed the historical injustices faced by Nama-speaking communities in South Africa, who suffered dislocation during apartheid. She stressed that language preservation is crucial for restoring the heritage of these communities. Furthermore, Klaaste suggested launching an exchange program between the two countries to enhance communication and strategy sharing between their respective parliaments.
The article highlights Newrene Klaaste’s call for the urgent implementation of a bilateral agreement to preserve the Nama language, emphasizing its cultural significance. Klaaste’s remarks reflect concerns over the potential extinction of the language and advocate for action beyond mere documentation. Moreover, her proposal for an exchange program signals the importance of collaboration between Namibia and South Africa to enhance mutual understanding and preserve their shared heritage.
Original Source: www.namibian.com.na
