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The University of the Free State Launches an African Languages Press

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

Kovsie Xtravaganza 2006 with Jak de Priester and Dewald Louw

2006-08-29

Kovsie Xtravaganza, the showcase of Kovsie student arts and culture achievers, will take place on Wednesday, 20 September 2006 at 20:00 in the Sand du Plessis Theatre. The audience can once again expect an array of sound, movement and colour in true Kovsie style.

This years’ production will be unique in the sense that a “10 man live band” will provide the sound. The well known artist, Jak de Priester, will act as your host and guest artist. The newly crowned kykNET Idol and Kovsie student, Dewald Louw will all make a guest appearance!

The annual residence culture winners will also be announced at the event. Wayne Flemming is the director of the show, whilst John Smit will act as musical director.

The audience can once again expect some familiar hit songs, presented in true Kovsie fashion! Apart from well-known artists like Thabo Hlongwane, Hanno van Heerden, Caroline Haasbroek, Elmarie Potgieter and Bea van der Vyver, some new talent will also be presented on stage. The winning serenade groups, Veritas and Sonnedou, as well as choirs and dance groups, will be part of the production.

Tickets for this extravaganza will be available from all PACOFS outlets at R30-00 a ticket and bookings can be done at 051-447 7772.

For any other enquiries, please contact Kovsie Culture (Louis Botha) at 051-401 2819.

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