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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

A new dawn for student governance

2011-09-02

Our SRC presidents: Richard Chemaly (Bloemfontein Campus) and Bongani Ncgaca (Qwaqwa Campus)
Photo: Hannes Pieterse

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The successful and peaceful completion of the University of the Free State’s (UFS) Student Representative (SRC) elections 2011 herals a new dawn for student governance with the announcement of the results today (1 September 2011).

The SRC elections at the Qwaqwa Campus were completed on 25 August 2011, while the elections at our Bloemfontein Campus took place on 29 and 30 August 2011.

“A new dawn heralds a new day when Richard Chemaly, the son of Lebanese immigrants becomes President of an SRC, as elected by students from all racial backgrounds and from across the student body at large. A new day has arrived when candidates could have won voter support across racial lines; a new day is here when all SRC members are now recognised leaders on the basis of academic accountability,” the Dean of Student Affairs, Mr Rudi Buys, says.

A new dawn has arrived; firstly, insofar as student elections for the choice of student leaders at the UFS now proceed according to a non-racial and a non-party political basis.

Not only did the SRC elections at both the Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses achieve its required quorum, with 31% (4 729 votes) and 50% (2 112 votes) voter turnout, respectively, but the SRC elected by students at the Bloemfontein Campus is 55% black and 45% white, and 60% female and 40% male. The numbers of votes gained by successful candidates also indicate that voters from all racial backgrounds have voted for their candidates of choice.

Secondly, a new dawn has arrived insofar as student governance occupied by only some student groups claiming to speak on behalf of all students has made way for direct voting for candidates by the broad student body and the threefold increase of student governance structures on campus.

Not only did all students at our Bloemfontein and Qwaqwa Campuses (a total of 15 173 and 4 257, respectively) have the opportunity to participate in voting directly, but nine additional Student Councils were established at our Bloemfontein Campus that each holds an ex officio seat on the SRC and allows for student governance in all the major student sectors of the student body, such as for postgraduate students, international students and all categories of student associations.

The various councils now established include the Student Academic Affairs Council, the Student Associations Council, the Postgraduate Student Council, the International Student Council, the Student Media Council, the Residences Student Council, the Commuter Student Council and the Rag Community Service Fundraising and Service Councils. In addition, all faculties also introduced student representative structures at departmental and faculty level in 2011 to ensure student participation in faculty management and governance.

The SRC members at the Bloemfontein Campus are:

Elective portfolios:
President: Mr Richard Chemaly
Vice-President: Mr Lefata David Maklein
Secretary: Ms Matshepo Ramokgadi
Treasurer: Mr Werner Pretorius
Arts & Culture: Ms Alta Grobelaar
Accessibility & Student Support: Mr William Clayton
First-generation Students: Ms Petre du Plessis
Media, Marketing & Liaison: Ms Biejanka Calitz
Sport: Mr Bonolo Thebe
Student Development & Environmental Affairs: Ms Busisiwe Madikizela
Transformation: Ms Qaqamba Mhlauli

Ex officio portfolios:
Dialogue & Ex officio: Associations Student Council: Mr Anesu Ruswa
Academic Affairs & Ex officio: Academic Affairs Student Council: Mr Jean Vermaas
Residence Affairs & Ex officio: Campus Residences Student Council: Ms Mpho Mokaleng
City student Affairs & Ex officio: Commuter Student Council: Ms Annemieke Plekker
Postgraduate Affairs & Ex officio: Postgraduate Student Council: Ms Glancina Mokone
International Affairs & Ex officio: International Student Council: Mr Pitso Ramokoatsi
Student Media Affairs & Ex officio: Student Media Council: Ms Nicole Heyns
RAG Community Service & Ex officio: RAG Fundraising Council: Ms Iselma Parker
RAG Community Service & Ex officio: RAG Community Service Council: Ms Motheo Pooe

In the Qwaqwa elections, SASCO achieved 36,84% of the vote, with SADESMO, PASMA and NASMO each achieving 29,73% and 18,56% and 12,74%, respectively .

Mr Bongani Ncgaca was elected as the President of the SRC at our Qwaqwa Campus, while the names of the SRC members at the campus will be announced on 7 September 2011.

The Central SRC will be established on 8 September 2011 by a joint sitting of the two SRCs.

The successful completion of the SRC elections at the Bloemfontein Campus follows a yearlong review process of student governance by a Broad Student Transformation Forum (BSTF) that consists of 59 delegations from student organisations and residences. The BSTF adopted independent candidacy for elective portfolios and additional student councils to provide ex officio seats on the SRC as the template for student governance, following the consideration of a series of benchmarking reports on student governance nationally and internationally.

The UFS Council adopted the new SRC Constitution, as drafted and submitted by the BSTF, on 3 June 2011.

Media Release
1 September 2011
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Director: Strategic Communication
Tel: 051 401 2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: news@ufs.ac.za

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