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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.  

News Archive

Construction work on new residences begins
2012-02-24

 

From left are: Richard Chemaly, SRC President; Mr Quintin Koetaan; Prof. Nicky Morgan, Vice-Rector: Operations and Mr Pura Mgolombane, Assistant Dean: Student Affairs, at the sod turning ceremony.    
Photo: Johan Roux  
24 February 2012

Construction of two new residences on our Bloemfontein Campus will begin soon. Some 500 students will be accommodated in the residences, with the first students able to move in from January 2013.   

The premises where the residences will be built were recently handed over to the contractors.

Mr Rudi Buys, Dean of Student Affairs, says that the design of the residences follow global trends in student accommodation, but are adapted to local needs and student communities. The new residences will provide more study and tutoring spaces, also with more open space for diverse students to socialise. The residences will function together as a Student Life College.

Mr Quintin Koetaan, Director: Housing and Residence Affairs, says the new residences will house both junior and senior students. Residences will co-ed, with men and women housed in separate and secure passages.
 
The planned construction of student accommodation includes five new residences – four on the Bloemfontein Campus that will provide 1000 beds and one on the Qwaqwa Campus with 250 beds. This will provide for the increasing need for student accommodation. The project will be completed in two phases. Phase one commenced in Bloemfontein on 21 February 2012.


 

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