03 June 2025
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Story Precious Shamase
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Photo Supplied
The attendees at the Sesotho Sa Leboa Dictionary launch.
The University of the Free State (UFS) recently marked a truly historic moment for linguistic heritage in South Africa with the official launch of the Dictionary for Sesotho Sa Leboa. This monumental achievement was celebrated on both the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa campuses, accentuating the university's deep commitment to the preservation and promotion of indigenous languages. The Bloemfontein Campus hosted the inaugural event on Thursday 29 May, followed by an equally significant launch on the Qwaqwa Campus on Friday 30 May.
The ambitious undertaking was a collaborative effort spearheaded by the UFS Library, in close partnership with the Faculty of The Humanities, the
Academy for Multilingualism, and a host of dedicated contributors whose tireless work brought this vital resource to fruition.
A vision for the nation and beyond
In his opening address on the Qwaqwa Campus, the Principal, Prof Prince Ngobeni, articulated the profound significance of the dictionary's launch. "These two days mark a truly historic moment," he declared, "not just for the university, but for the entire nation – and most especially – for the rich tapestry of our linguistic heritage. We are gathered here to officially launch a monumental achievement: the Dictionary for Sesotho Sa Leboa." His words resonated with the distinguished audience, which included the Dean of the Faculty of The Humanities, Prof Mogomme Masoga, members of the University Executive, academics, researchers, linguists, educators, students, and esteemed members of the Royal family, whose presence significantly elevated the occasion.
Dr Elias Malete, Head of the Department of African Languages, expressed immense gratitude for the launch of the dictionary, highlighting its importance for the academic community and the broader society.
From retirement to legacy: The author's journey
The visionary behind the dictionary, Solomon Motlokwane – a retired teacher – shared insights from his journey. In an inspiring presentation, he encouraged young people to transcend the traditional pursuit of employment and instead become creators of opportunities. "Be yourself and you will prosper," he advised, a powerful message of self-reliance and innovation that resonated deeply with the audience.
A tribute to african linguistic giants and Vision 130
Prof Jared McDonald, Assistant Dean of the Faculty of The Humanities, delivered a poignant message of support, acknowledging the collective efforts that made the dictionary possible. He took a moment to reflect on the recent passing of
Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o, one of Africa's greatest intellectual sons. "His life’s work was a passionate call to centre African languages in scholarship, in literature, and in daily life," Prof McDonald noted. "He reminded us that language is not neutral, but it is political, cultural, and deeply personal. He believed that to write in one’s own language is to reset one’s humanity."
Prof McDonald emphasised that Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o's legacy lives on in every effort to preserve, teach, and elevate African languages, positioning the new dictionary as a living tribute to his profound vision. This sentiment aligns perfectly with the UFS' Vision 130, which champions excellence in research, innovation, and community engagement, with a strong emphasis on fostering an inclusive and multilingual academic environment. The launch of the dictionary is a tangible manifestation of
Vision 130's commitment to intellectual contribution and societal impact, particularly in the realm of cultural preservation and academic advancement of indigenous languages.
"This kind of scholarly work is not produced overnight," Prof McDonald concluded, "it requires sustained collaboration, institutional support, and deep commitment from all of us to linguistic accuracy, cultural sensitivity, and educational relevance." The launch of the Dictionary for Sesotho Sa Leboa stands as a testament to this unwavering commitment and a beacon for future linguistic endeavours at the University of the Free State.