By Goth Mohamed Goth
The Hargeysa International Book Fair (HIBF) featured the Kingdom of Eswatini as its Guest Country, with a dedicated panel that explored how indigenous knowledge, cultural preservation, and intergenerational learning continue to build resilient societies across Africa.
Moderated by Fatima Ahmed Omer, the session brought together two distinguished voices from Eswatini: Dr. Boyie Sabelo Dlamini, an academic and multidisciplinary researcher, and Judith Mthupha, a librarian, researcher, and cultural documentation officer dedicated to preserving her nation’s rich heritage.
The Power of Hybrid Knowledge
Presenting his paper, “The Power of Hybrid Indigenous Knowledge and Contribution,” Dr. Dlamini argued that indigenous wisdom remains a vital force for sustainable social development. He described hybrid indigenous knowledge as the integration of various knowledge systems rooted in local communities and their environments.
Dr. Dlamini explained that knowledge shaped over generations through interaction with specific environments equips communities with both practical tools and cultural frameworks to address modern challenges without losing their identity. When combined with other forms of knowledge, he noted, indigenous wisdom becomes a powerful catalyst for social transformation, grounded in cultural continuity.
Safeguarding Heritage for Future Generations
The discussion also emphasized the urgency of preserving traditions for the future. Drawing on over two decades of experience in information management and heritage preservation, Judith Mthupha shared her work documenting Swazi clan histories, oral traditions, and cultural practices at risk of being lost. Since joining the Eswatini National Trust Commission in 2022, she has been instrumental in protecting both tangible and intangible cultural heritage.
Responding to a question on how young people can actively keep culture alive, Mthupha stressed the importance of involving youth in traditional national events.
She pointed to Eswatini’s renowned Umhlanga Reed Dance, explaining that the celebration is much more than a performance. While participants spend days gathering reeds and preparing for the ceremony, they also receive instruction in cultural values, principles, and community responsibilities.
“The youth are encouraged to attend such events,” she said, noting that these gatherings provide a direct channel for passing cultural knowledge from one generation to the next.
A Shared African Narrative
The panel reflected the overarching theme of the 2026 HIBF—Continuity—by demonstrating how living traditions remain relevant in modern societies. As this year’s Guest Country, Eswatini was presented as a nation where centuries-old customs, indigenous governance, and cultural institutions coexist with contemporary life.
The discussion drew striking parallels between Eswatini and Somaliland, highlighting how both societies have drawn resilience, stability, and social cohesion from deeply rooted local traditions rather than externally imposed systems. Speakers described the partnership as an opportunity for mutual learning, bringing together two African communities with shared experiences of protecting identity and strengthening society through culture.
Through literature, oral history, research, and the performing arts, the Guest Country program affirmed that indigenous knowledge is a living resource, not a relic of the past.
The panel concluded with a unified message: preserving cultural roots is not about resisting change, but about ensuring that future generations inherit the knowledge, identity, and confidence needed to shape Africa’s future—while remaining firmly connected to its past
