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19 April 2023 | Story Nonkululeko Nxumalo | Photo Supplied
TSOHO ‘The Awakening’
TSOHO ‘The Awakening’ – available at the UFS library.

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

UFS launches history book
2007-02-02

 
Attending the launch of the UFS history book were, from the left: Prof Stef Coetzee, Prof Francois Retief, Prof Wynand Mouton, Mr Pieter Cox (Chairperson on Sasol) and Prof Frederick Fourie (Rector and Vice-Chancellor of the UFS). Profs Coetzee, Retief and Mouton are former rectors of the UFS.
UFS launches history book
 
The University of the Free State (UFS) today launched its history book titled, From Grey to Gold, on the Main Campus in Bloemfontein.
 
“The history of the UFS is one of faith, hope, struggle and determination. The book tells a fascinating story that stretches over a 100 years. It is divided into five main phases, which tells about the growth of the UFS from a poor Free State community to a mature university. Interesting stories about student days, sport, rag and hostel activities are included in each phase,” Prof Frederick Fourie, Rector and Vice-Chancellor said during the launch of the book.
 
“One cannot know where you are going if you don’t know where you are coming from. You have a clearer idea of the issues facing an institution if you know the history. A book like this one is also an important source of reference for staff on the campus,” said Prof Fourie.
 
The first research for the book was done from 1999-2003 by Prof Leo Barnard from the Department of History and a team of researchers. They also compiled the first manuscript. 
 
During the last three years, Prof Fourie was closely involved with the writing of the final phase and finishing off the history book project. “It was an honour to be so closely involved with the story of the UFS because now I have a better understanding of the institution, its people, its culture and its way of thinking. For any rector of a university, such an understanding of its institution is a requirement,” Prof Fourie said.
 
The book is partly sponsored by Sasol. During the launch of the book, Mr Pieter Cox, Chairperson of Sasol said the company and the UFS have been partners for 57 years. “Both Sasol and the UFS are striving for excellence – Sasol for excellence in technology and the UFS for excellence in education,” said Mr Cox. 
 
“It was an easy decision when the UFS approached Sasol for financial support of the history book. Its a formidable piece of work, something Prof Fourie and the UFS can be proud of,” said Mr Cox.
 
The book consists of more than 500 pages with hundreds of photos and a wide range of supplements of office-bearers, awards and achievements (including national and sporting colours). A timeline framework, putting the history of the UFS in context with the history of the Free State, South Africa and of the world, is also included.
 
Besides the supplements, the history book also tells the story of amongst others the establishment of the UFS; the role of its founding fathers; black pioneers of transformation; the establishment and development of academic departments and faculties; student numbers; pioneers and trends in research; academic entrepreneurs; campus issues and campus politics; interesting facts and stories about student life (rag, intervarsity and cheerleaders, sport and the Springboks, hostel traditions); the admission of black students and anguish about race; language and culture; the development of the Main Campus; the Tickey and the Banana and much more.
 
Emphasis is placed on a very high level of quality. “It is not every day that the university becomes hundred years old and the institution will be measured by the quality of the book. We cannot say the UFS is a university of excellence if the book does not reflect that,” Ms Edma Pelzer, Director: Physical Resources and Special Projects said. Ms Pelzer managed the project as part of the last mentioned part of her portfolio.
 
The search for photographs was an important aspect of the book and it was a big task to find photographs and write captions. It took almost a year to translate and prepare the English edition and almost ten months to ensure the accuracy thereof, especially to correctly translate the typical Free State and UFS terminology and naturally to complete the English manuscript’s layout and proofreading. In the mean time the cover pages were designed and in September 2006 the manuscript went into the final print process. The Afrikaans title is: Van Sink tot Sandsteen tot Graniet.  
 
The cost of the book is R380 per copy. Those who already ordered the book will soon receive their copy. Orders can be placed by contacting Mr Dawid Kriel at UFS Marketing on 051 401 3409 or on the UFS web site at www.ufs.ac.za. The book is also available at Van Schaik Book Store on the Thakaneng Bridge, UFS Main Campus and at Fascination Books in Mimosa Mall, Bloemfontein.
 
Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
2 February 2007

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