Preserving Languages: Open, Free and Accessible Knowledge for All
The SADiLaR–Wikipedia–PanSALB (SWiP) project is a national collaborative initiative between the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR), Wikimedia ZA, and the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB).
SWiP promotes the preservation, development, and digital visibility of South African languages by empowering communities to create and expand content on Wikipedia in their own languages.
Context and Significance
South African languages remain underrepresented in digital spaces. SWiP addresses this gap by:
- Increasing high-quality Wikipedia content in South African languages
- Training new contributors in digital authorship
- Strengthening collaboration between universities and language bodies
- Promoting inclusive access to knowledge for all
By positioning Wikipedia as a platform for language preservation, SWiP contributes to the sustainability of indigenous languages in the digital age.
Project Journey
Phase 1 (September 2023 – October 2024) | Completed
Phase 1 was officially launched on 22 September 2023 at the University of South Africa in Pretoria. The launch highlighted isiNdebele and encouraged greater participation from amaNdebele contributors, addressing limited digital representation of the language.
Key Achievements
Authorship Workshops
- Conducted across nine provinces
- 18 universities participated
- 986 participants trained in Wikipedia editing and content creation
Science Forum South Africa 2024 Side Event
- Expanded outreach to broader language communities
- Strengthened national awareness of digital language preservation
SWiP Writing Competition
- 56 active editors participated
- Winners and runners-up recognised for each South African written language
- Overall top contributor honoured
Phase 1 successfully built a community of skilled contributors committed to growing African language content online.
2023- 2025 Highlights
Workshops were successfully hosted at:
- North-West University
- University of Cape Town
- University of Pretoria
- Mangosuthu University of Technology
- University of Johannesburg
- University of Mpumalanga
- University of Limpopo
- University of Venda
- Vaal University of Technology
- Cape Peninsula University of Technology
- Walter Sisulu University
- Sol Plaatje University
- Tshwane University of Technology
- Nelson Mandela University
- University of Zululand
- University of Freestate
- University of South Africa
- Central University of Technology
- University of Eswatini
2026 Upcoming SWiP Workshops
Scheduled at:
- University of the Western Cape
- Stellenbosch University
- University of the Witwatersrand
- University of KwaZulu-Natal
- Durban University of Technology
- University of Fort Hare
- Rhodes University
- Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University
Continental Expansion
SWiP is expanding beyond South Africa to:
- Botswana
- Zimbabwe
Edit-a-Thons
Planned at:
- University of Mpumalanga
- University of Venda
- University of Limpopo
Get Involved
SWiP welcomes participation from organisations, universities, and individuals.
Organisations Can:
- Provide financial support for workshops and competitions
- Sponsor and host edit-a-thons
- Establish recognition and award programmes
- Develop school and community-based language initiatives
Universities Can:
- Partner with SWiP to host workshops
- Integrate Wikipedia authorship into coursework
- Encourage student and staff participation
Individuals Can:
- Volunteer at workshops and events
- Contribute and edit Wikipedia in their language
- Mentor new contributors
Together, we can ensure South African languages thrive in digital spaces.
Contact Us
For more information about the SWiP project: