The University of the Free State (UFS) is hosting the second International Conference on Languages, Multilingualism and Decolonisation Practices in Higher Education, bringing together local and international delegates to explore pathways towards social justice, sustainability, and academic excellence through multilingualism. The three-day conference commenced on 25 November 2025 on the UFS Bloemfontein Campus and will run until 27 November 2025.

Prof Klopper highlights UFS leadership

In her keynote address, Prof Hester C. Klopper, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the UFS, positioned the university as a national leader in multilingual higher education. She emphasised the dual approach of equipping students with global competencies through English while nurturing South Africa’s linguistic diversity.

“We have made an unwavering commitment to developing languages such as Sesotho, IsiZulu, Afrikaans, and South African Sign Language as academic languages,” Prof Klopper said. “This is more than symbolic; it reflects our dedication to meaningful multilingualism in teaching, learning, and research.”

She highlighted the university’s translanguaging tutorials as a transformative pedagogical practice. “When students receive input in one language and produce output in another, they are not simply switching codes; they are processing meaning at a fundamental level. This dynamic use of language expands cultural horizons and enhances comprehension and knowledge retention.”

Prof Klopper further reflected on the broader significance of the conference. “African higher education faces persistent questions about access, equity, and relevance, while navigating rapid technological change and evolving student needs. The discussions over the next three days will shape policies, inform practices, and ultimately transform lives. I encourage all delegates to boldly question and envision what multilingual decolonised higher education can become.”

Setting the stage for multilingual dialogue

The opening day also featured remarks from Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, Director of the Academy for Multilingualism at the UFS, who highlighted the enduring role of language in shaping access, identity, and success in higher education. Delegates also heard virtually from Prof Anthea Rhoda, Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Academic, who wished participants a productive conference.

Several presentations underscored the conference theme, including presentations by Hloniphani Ndebele (UFS) on multilingual journal language policies and Nkosazana Qavane (UCT) on multilingual literacy initiatives. The opening day concluded with a keynote address by Prof Russell Kaschula (UWC), who examined the evolution of teaching strategies and pedagogies using an auto-ethnographic approach.

A platform for transformation

Over the next two days, delegates will engage with additional keynote addresses, including by Prof Antia Bassey (UWC) and Prof Nobuhle Hlongwa (UKZN), continuing the dialogue on multilingualism, decoloniality, and transformative practices in higher education.