THE TECHNOLOGY IN INDIGENOUS PEOPLE’S CULTURE: A CASE OF NDEBELE CULTURE IN SOUTH AFRICA

Abstract

The Ndebele people’s culture has rich technological knowledge that could be integrated in Technology Education as a school subject and serve as a decolonial agent. The purpose of this study was to explore the technology of the Ndebele people in Mpumalanga of South Africa through the Ndebele Hut as an artefact. The study is part of the bigger project involving the University of South Africa (UNISA), University of Botswana (UB) and Chinhoyi University of Technology (CUT). Data were generated by photographing the artefacts, which were analysed ultimately. A tour guide led the research team as he explained the artefacts. Also, discussions were held with a group of Ndebele women and girls, who added to the explanation of the artefacts. Being a Ndebele Conceptual Framework guided the study. The findings show that the Ndebele Hut artefact is loaded with technology that links with the Ndebele culture. The findings also show the critical role that the Ndebele women play in the construction and decoration of the Ndebele Hut that could address gender issues in the subject and encourage girls to participate and excel. The study contributes the indigenous and gender perspectives of technology that can be integrated to decolonise Technology Education.