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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

Renowned writer for Africa Day
2012-05-08

 

Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o
Photo: Daniel Anderson-UComm
8 May 2012


Profile of Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o (pdf format)

To commemorate Africa Day on 25 May 2012, we will be hosting one of the continent’s most renowned writers, Professor Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o.

Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o will deliver an Africa Day Lecture titled, “The Blackness of Black: Africa in the World Today”.

Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o, who was born in Kenya, is currently a Distinguished Professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Irvine. He is the recipient of eight Honorary Doctorates and an Honorary Member of the American Academy of Arts and Letters. Famous works of Prof. Ngũgĩ wa Thiong'o include A grain of wheat, Weep not child, The river between, Secret lives and Petals of blood.

Africa Day marks the founding of the Organisation of Africa Unity (OAU) in 1963. Although the OAU underwent a name change in July 2002 to become the African Union (AU), 25 May still commemorated to symbolise Africa’s independence from foreign political control and affirms Africa’s quest for durable peace and unity.

  • Date: 25 May 2012
  • Venue: Odeion
  • Time: 18:00

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