"This was an invaluable experience for my students - I would certainly recommend Cata for Xhosa language immersion."
(Adjunct Professor Tessa Dowling, School of Languages and Literatures, African Languages Section, University of Cape Town, January 2010)
Teaching your mother tongue as a second language is not as easy as one might think, as a group of Cata residents discovered in September 2008 when workshopped on the subject. The intensive training covered the syllabus for beginners that was developed by a professional Xhosa language consultant, as well as tips for homestay hosts to ensure that their Xhosa students learn as much as possible during their stay.
To make your Xhosa lessons worthwhile, we encourage you to stay for at least four days (Friday to Monday if necessary), and to come with at least one other learner. And of course, a homestay is the essential accommodation option. “Cata is a very special place, a community that is unified, proactive and empowered. In my two weeks there my Xhosa improved dramatically, under the guidance of my patient, friendly and competent home-stay host, with the input of the whole village. I was exposed to traditions and cultures that I'd only read about, and was made to feel welcome and accepted. I would recommend it to anyone, at any level of Xhosa language.”
(Kira Schlesinger, UCT Language Student, January 2010)Latest News
Feel the heartbeat of an ordinary Xhosa village - opt for a homestay and live with one of the Cata families for the duration of your stay. Perhaps you might like to have your evening beer at the local tavern and meet your neighbours. read more
From the newly-built chalets you can enjoy the view of the mountains and the Cata Dam on the road to Keiskammahoek. You can opt for self-catering or have meals prepared for you in traditional Xhosa style. read more
Cata is a paradise for children… bicycling or horse-riding or learning a little of the local language. And, of course, they could meet the local children and together with them, look for cattle in the afternoon.
But Cata is not as ordinary as you might think first when you enter the village. During apartheid the village underwent a complete forced removal from the hills to the valley. This programme was ironically called “betterment“ and affected millions of people all over South Africa. This, and the successful fight for restitution, is documented in the Cata museum. read more
