Craig Makhosi Charnock
Craig is fascinated by how language connects us to our ancestors, our own and those of the collective human race, the similarities and the diversity we all share. He has studied psychology, philosophy and film studies at UCT in 2003. He has lived seep in the rural villages of the Eastern Cape region known as Pondoland (emaMpondweni), where his language learning journey really ignited.
He lived as a trainee Sangoma (thwasa), a strict, fulltime monk-like training to become a traditional doctor, working for his Sangoma family with rigourous daily chores including fetching water and collecting wood, cleaning chicken coops and washing dishes.
This was a contrasting dynamic and a rite-of-passage experience, given his upbringing as a privileged private school boy and UCT alumni. The process brought empathy, humour and a sense of personal transformation.
He also volunteering extensively in the townships of Cape Town and in the Life Orientation classroom at the Leap School Science and Maths, where his isiXhosa continued to expand. Craig’s talks and work through UBuntu Bridge are about bridging gaps and facilitating empowering balanced transformation.
Makhosi uses his edutaining videos, songs and performance to draw attention to important social dynamics affecting all levels of South African and global society today. As a teacher, he empowers the audience with tools for self-awareness, growth, participation, communication and confidence.
Public Speaking:
Makhosi has facilitated and spoken at such prestigious events as the Thabo Mbeki Foundation’s Youth Leadership Camp 2013, The South African Principal Association’s Annual conference 2013, TedX Education 2012, The Africa Centre’s Talking Heads 2013, Sustainable Brands 2016, Black Sash 60th Anniversary 2016, as well as being speaker for many companies (Old Mutual, GenRe, Media24), government departments, social organisations and many schools to groups of up to 500 people.
“I watched your TEDxED video again last night – INSPIRATIONAL stuff. Thanks again for putting in so much effort. Of the 60 audience feedback forms I’ve got most rated your as their top favourite. Well done!“ Terence Themba Berry – TedX Education Organiser
“Craig was a brilliant speaker, who totally captivated the audience. His passion was contagious. When the audience participated in vocalising the three xhosa clicks, they were totally engaged. Fantastic.“ Dave Cotton – Pecha Kucha
Follow Makhosi on:
Vlogs / Youtube:
Podcasts:
Twitter:
Facebook:
Testimonials:
Feedback from Makhosi’s presentations:
“Craig, your contribution to the programme was simply stunning and I only wish we had more time to do justice to your input. Just watching their body language as you spoke – from the heart – conveyed to me their interest – you came over exceptionally well. With warm regards.“ Trevor Wilkins, Organizer – Rotary Ambassadorial Orientation
“Your presentation at TEDx – other than being engaging and powerful – was personally encouraging to me and gave me some good quotes and evidence to continue the promotion of Xhosa teaching at our school – as with CAPS next year this could be an optional extra at primary school level.“ Colleen Moore – School Teacher
“Craig’s work in encouraging South Africans to understand how important it is to speak another’s language is absolutely compelling and the programmes he runs to promote the development of language skills, especially amongst white South Africans, is absolutely remarkable. Craig is a very inspiring young South African, whose work needs to be promoted through the length and breadth of South Africa.“ A Testimonial from Prof. Tim Noakes, after the TedX Talk
“The stories you shared with the group about your journey with African traditional medicine were captivating and inspiring. Thank you!” Stewart Chirova – Academic Director, SIT: Multiculturalism and Human Rights
“Yhu! Enkosi kakhulu! Craig, that was terrific! I am only sorry you weren’t a fly on the wall in my lesson after to hear the boys bubbling over. You made a massive impression – all positive too! You have extended your fan base and really made these boys think and feel. They are all adamant that you should be a permanent fixture on the Gr 7 school calendar – a compliment indeed!” Lisa Harris – Head of isiXhosa WPPS
“Thank you SO much for coming in- your talk was inspiring, thought-provoking and so well received by everyone. It sparked a lot of interest and really got people thinking and talking. Some feedback from the group“:
“It inspired me and really opened my eyes. I learnt a lot.“
“Inspiring, intelligent, ingenious. People took to it incredibly well.” Nina Bloch – Westerford High
“Hey, you are a definite hit… – and trust me, there is no more sincere and honest flattery than that from 13-year-olds when it is spontaneous! You pitched your talk perfectly and had something in it to appeal to each of the boys at a variety of levels. Most of all, your enthusiasm, knowledge, humour and genuine engagement has inspired the boys. (Gives me hope for the future of SA!) Unquestionably, the vids help.” Lisa Harris – Western Province Prep School
“Charismatic, talented and doing something really important, Craig should be working in every school in the country!” Georgina Stirrup – Accelerate Cape Town
“Craig it was an awesome presentation, the boys are still talking about it and I truly believe you motivated some guys to do something about learning an African language.” Tim Stirrup – Head of Lingua Franca society, Bishop
Book Makhosi to speak:
Book Craig ‘Makhosi’ for his edutaining, insightful and inspirational talks and workshops about how we can engage beneficially with vernacular language learning and traditional communities in a world of technology, consumerism and environmental uncertainty.
Enquire via email or whatsapp +27 83 566 1182 for more info and quotes! Siyabulela!
