The technology in Indigenous People's Culture: A Case of Ndebele Culture in South Africa

Author : Mishack Gumbo

Abstract :Technology Education is mainly taught from a Western approach, missing out on the cultural capital exhibited in an Indigenous context. Framed in Community Cultural Wealth Theory, this qualitative case study explores technological knowledge capital expressed through Ndebele art. Data was generated through participant observation and artefact analysis of the Ndebele art in Mpumalanga, South Africa. The findings revealed a wealth of indigenous technological knowledge, skills, and practices in the Ndebele culture. Integrating Indigenous technological knowledge can diversify the curriculum and benefit both Indigenous and non-Indigenous students, dismantle colonial dominance, and value the contributions of Indigenous knowledge custodians toward the teaching and development of Technology. This will also boost Indigenous students’ interest and morale in the subject.

Keywords :Indigenous, art, technology, curriculum, culture.

Conference Name :International Conference on Multilingual Education, Learning and Teaching (ICMELT-24)

Conference Place Toronto, Canada

Conference Date 9th Dec 2024