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An Ode to African Languages: UFS African Languages Press launches TSOHO ‘The Awakening’

19 April 2023 | Story Nonkululeko Nxumalo | Photo Supplied

In celebration of linguistic diversity and the power of creative expression, the University of the Free State (UFS) African Languages Press and the Academy for Multilingualism launched a new seminal book, TSOHO 'The Awakening', on 14 April 2023.

This anthology of poetry and short stories stems from the first cohort of authors who participated in the Creative Writing Multilingual Hub masterclasses held in July 2022 with Ntabiseng Jafta, Publishing Coordinator at the African Languages Press; Dr Jerry Mofokeng wa Makgetha, author and award-winning South African actor; Dr Mathene Mahanke, Free State Head of Provincial Language Services; and Dr Elias Malete, Senior Lecturer and Academic Head in the Department of African Languages.

What sets this collection apart is that the students took pride in expressing themselves in not just one, but seven indigenous South African languages, showcasing the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make up this vibrant nation.

“We hope that this launch will not only inspire you to read, but also to write, especially in indigenous languages. In that way, we can preserve, promote, and develop our African languages,” Dina Mashiyane: Head Librarian in the UFS Library and Information Services (LIS), highlighted during her welcoming speech.

In her message of support, the words of the Director of the Academy for Multilingualism, Dr Nomalungelo Ngubane, echoed the significance of this book, not just as a celebration of creativity and multilingualism, but also as a seed of inspiration that has the potential to grow. “Other young writers will look at you and take that initiative as well, standing proud in their languages,” she added.

Bangodi ‘The Authors’

The authors, whose names are a testament to their unique identities and backgrounds, include Ontlametse Manana Mothobi, Judith Tladi, Paseka Mathonsi, Langelihle Button, Celuxolo Mthembu, Kesaobaka Ncubuka, Modiehi Motseko, Ciliciah Chagane, Siphilangekhosi Dlamini, Tshegofatso Sello Kitso, Tlotlisang David Mhlambiso, and Balisa Nqambuza. These diverse voices are woven together in this anthology to create a symphony of words that will resonate with readers of all backgrounds.

Augmented Reality Feature

TSOHO is not just any ordinary book. With assistance from Thuthukani Ndlovu, augmented reality developer and alumnus of the UFS, this anthology is an innovative work that pushes the boundaries of traditional literature, embracing the digital age with an augmented reality feature that brings the pages to life.

Through the Artivive app, readers can experience a digital journey, where images in the book come alive with audio recitals in vernac. This unique fusion of traditional storytelling and modern technology is a testament to the innovative thinking of the African Languages Press, which seeks to promote and preserve indigenous languages across all spheres of human interaction.

Inspiration behind the title

When asked about the inspiration behind the title, Jafta had this to say, “We wanted them to wake up to themselves. To know that they have it within them to express and write in many languages. We have languages, they’re ours and they’re engraved within our DNA. We just wanted them to go into an experience of realisation, of discovery, but mostly to have that moment of awakening to say I too can. That’s why I came up with this title.”

Jafta also mentioned that there would be future cohorts, “This is our first offering, there are still more to come. We’re going to have our second cohort, so be on the lookout, they will be advertising for the next one,” she said.

The book can be found at the UFS library and will soon be available at Exclusive Books.

News Archive

Professor launches his book, opposition parties attend

2011-03-22

Prof. Hussein Solomon
Photo: Stephen Collett

“We are good in opposing people, but we’re less good in opposing ideas.” This was how Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of the University of the Free State (UFS) introduced the book launch of Against all Odds: Opposition Politics in Southern Africa.

The event was hosted in collaboration with the publisher under the title: Are opposition parties in South Africa in a crisis? This formed part of a series of dialogue sessions, organised by the Centre for Africa Studies, in the run up to the local elections.

Amongst those interested who attended the evening in the Senate Hall of the CR Swart Building on the Main Campus were various politicians, students, staff en a panel consisting of academics and the respective provincial representatives of the ANC and DA.

Dr Mcebisi Ndletyana from the Human Sciences Research Council (HSRC), acted as arbiter.

Proff. Hussein Solomon, author of Against all Odds: Opposition Politics in Southern Africa, also lecturer at the UFS, as well as Dirk Kotzé, Head of the Department of Political Science at Unisa, delivered enriching lectures on the stance and positioning of opposition parties.

Prof. Hussein, who spoke first, circumscribed the context of the political climate in the country, based on his book. “The problem that political science encounters is that everybody becomes experts on the internet, while they have no experience of what is happening in South Africa.” He said that when political parties in the country are under discussion, voters often allow myths and/or stereotyping to influence their concept of it. ‘’If there are no opposition parties, there is no democracy and people are deprived of their vote.”

Prof. Kotzé stated in his speech that it was not only opposition parties who had to make the government watch its step, but also the status that the country acquired, amongst others, from its connections, i.e. collaborative agreements such as BRICSA and the country’s inclusion in the G20. He left the audience with a question about how they were going to become involved in politics, and with his rhetoric question referred to options like social networks and movements.

Mr Sibongile Besani, the ANC'S secretary in the Free State, said the DA grew due to it’s swallowing of other parties; something he claims is taking the country backwards. He also described the use of personalities by opposition parties as means of association a weakness. He added that voters will continue voting for the ANC because they can associate themselves with the party’s vision.

In contrast, Mr Roy Jankielsohn, provincial leader of the DA, said voters and parties unite under their core vision for the country as like in the case of the ANC during the liberation struggles.

During the question-and-answer session, which followed after Mr Jankielson’s speech, Prof. Kwandiwe Kondlo, upon completion and summary of the discussions, stated firmly that the opposition parties are in a crisis. “The start of the solution is to recognise the problem. That is why our democracy finds itself in the state in which it is; because the opposition does not fulfil the role that they are supposed to fulfil.“ Prof. Kondlo is the head of the Centre of Africa Studies at the UFS.

He concluded by stating that the economic basis in the country was not transformed. “We cannot say that people determine their futures if they posses nothing. Opposition parties must start to communicate at this level in order to table something new. Our democracy must become more inclusive at political and material level.”

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