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01 July 2022 | Story Marcus Maphile | Photo Supplied

The University of the Free State Library and Information Services (UFSLIS) hosted stakeholders from SABC Lesedi FM, the Free State Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), and delegates from the National Library for the launch of the first-ever African Languages University Press in South Africa and Africa.  The launch, which took place on 24 May, deliberately coincided with the Africa Month commemorations – as the UFS’ answer to the United Nations General Assembly (Resolution A/RES/74/135) proclamation of the period between 2022 and 2032 as the International Decade of Indigenous Languages.  

This proclamation aims to draw global attention to the critical situation of many indigenous languages, and to mobilise stakeholders and resources for their preservation, revitalisation, and promotion. The University of the Free State Department of African Languages aims to be a publisher of high-quality original African language monographs and research in order to promote access, preservation, and use of marginalised African languages.  

In his opening remarks, Marcus Maphile, Assistant Director: Library Services, said, “As a broad academic publisher, the African Languages Press will be working across a number of markets, all presenting challenges and opportunities for established and engaged university presses. One of the opportunities will be to challenge the mainstream book publishers to re-enter the indigenous language publishing market.” He further said that this was done to make writing and reading in African indigenous languages fashionable, for other nations to envy our rich multilingual cultural heritage. 

The guest speaker for the launch was the UFS honorary Doctor of Letters (DLitt) recipient, Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makhetha, who applauded the University of the Free State for taking such a bold step towards enriching and developing African indigenous languages. 

The launch offered the UFS the opportunity to reach out and engage the international community on potential partnerships and collaborations towards developing African languages. The Library Director, Ms Jeanette Molopyane, provided insight into the challenges faced by libraries due to the shortage of books in African languages, while positioning the University of the Free State Library as a trendsetter and a leader in the development of best practices in the field of libraries.  

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UFS Rector offers students welcome reprieve against hunger and the weather
2010-08-25

 
Students enjoying complimentary soup and rolls in front of the UFS Main Building.
Photo: Christiaan van der Merwe

On Thursday afternoons at lunch time, the entrance to the Main Building at the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Main Campus has become busier than usual. The main reason for this is the number of UFS students as well as some staff members arriving to take advantage of the free soup and rolls supplied by the Rector and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Jonathan Jansen, on behalf of the UFS.

These occasions are attended by Prof. Jansen himself. Whilst the soup and rolls are being served, Prof. Jansen also uses this platform to connect with the students and to discuss relevant issues on campus in a relaxed and informal atmosphere. This event is open to all UFS students and staff that would like to attend or might need something hot to stave off the cold August weather.

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