Examining the impact of the 4IR on South African cultures

With the spread of the Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) and the rise of digital online media presence, young people are forgetting their cultural roots and heritage says Dr Beryl Xaba, Senior Lecturer at Unisa’s Department of African Languages. She elaborates: “They have lost interest in facets such as clan names and fostering close relationships with family members.” She adds: “Young people also embrace speaking and writing in English rather than in their home languages.”

Dr Beryl Xaba

Unpacking the impact of the 4IR on South African cultures, Xaba says: “There are various cultural procedures and traditional practices that are viewed as primitive and not fitting with modern lifestyles, especially among the youth.” She cites an example where young people nowadays are unable to slaughter livestock for cultural ceremonies and rather send them to abattoirs.

Referring to the Zulu Royal Family’s kingdom matter, Xaba explains: “Before the 4IR, family matters were kept in-house, but with the availability of online news and information, such matters are now widely discussed on social media by people who lack the relevant knowledge.”

Xaba points out that to preserve South African languages through the 4IR, more awareness must be created, especially on social media. “Documentaries on streaming sites such as YouTube, Showmax and Netflix would help raise awareness and start conversations,” she says. Xaba continues: “A film like Inxeba on Showmax, may have been controversial, but it generated a lot of discussions and was very informative to young people who may not have been aware of the cultural practices of Xhosa people.”

Xaba advocates for the inclusion of native languages on digital websites, and better translation software devices on social media sites. She argues: “These resources could make these languages more accessible to the younger audience who may not be fluent in them, and give them confidence in using them.”

Xaba believes that a sense of belonging should be instilled in young South Africans so that the love of their customs is nurtured. She concludes: “These customs must be continually practised, archived, and preserved as Africans must embrace their identity and uniqueness.”

#CelebratingHeritageMonth

* By Simphiwe Mthimunye, Unisa Student