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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

University management discuss the institution’s commitments towards Reitz colleagues
2014-03-17

Detailed report by Dr Choice Makhetha (pdf)

It has been six years since the Reitz incident happened at the University of the Free State (UFS).

Since this day the UFS has achieved great strides in restoring the dignity of the five colleagues and ensuring their financial security.

The commitment to empower these colleagues has always been a priority to the UFS and members of the senior management played an active role in helping them to establish Mamello Trading 864 CC, a cleaning company.

On Tuesday 18 March 2014, the senior management met with the five colleagues once again at the Bloemfontein Campus to reflect on what have been done to ensure that the UFS meets the obligations, as set out in the Deed of Settlement.

Future commitment towards our five colleagues were also discussed.

On Thursday 19 June 2014 Mamello Trading 864 CC will be formally launched to create an opportunity to introduce the business to the market and the public.

Prof André Keet, Director of the Institute for Reconciliation and Social Justice, also took the opportunity to speak about the newly established Human Rights Desk at the Institute.

Please see the attached document for a complete update on the case and agreements as noted in the Deed of Settlement.

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