Latest News Archive

Please select Category, Year, and then Month to display items
Previous Archive
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

Qwaqwa Campus launches transdisciplinary Afromontane Research Unit
2015-06-09

Dr Dipane Hlalele, Assistant Dean in the Faculty of Education on the Qwaqwa Campus; Dr Anofi Ashafa, Dean of the Faculty of Natural and Agricultural Sciences on the Qwaqwa Campus; Prof Corli Witthuhn, Vice-Rector: Research; Prof Sechaba Mahlomaholo, Dean in the Faculty of Education; Dr Geofrey Mukwada, Head of the Department of Geography; Dr Aliza le Roux, Head of the Department of Zoology and Entomology; Prof Prakash Naidoo, Campus Principal and Dr Elsa Crause, Academic Head on the Qwaqwa Campus.

The Qwaqwa Campus of the University of the Free State in the Eastern Free State boasts of one of the most beautiful and distinctive surroundings that will play a crucial role in fostering research in the under-researched area of the montane communities. This was revealed during the recent launch of the Afromontane Research Unit (ARU), the UFS flagship transdisciplinary research programme.

“This flagship programme has been in the making for about four years as our Qwaqwa Campus is set in a very interesting, unique, and mountainous place. The programme gained the momentum when the National Research Foundation (NRF) challenged each university to come up with their own single niche research area that would give them a unique research identity”, Prof Corli Witthuhn, Vice-Rector: Research, said during the launch.

”The Unit will develop the campus’s research capacity as we have already seen a huge increase in the research outputs by Qwaqwa staff. The campus already has seven scholars in the Vice-Chancellor's Prestige Scholars Programme (PSP), and there is notable excitement here. The Afromontane Research Unit will add to that research excitement as well”, she added.

Prof Witthuhn revealed that an application for the funding of the ARU had already been submitted to the NRF, and a positive response was awaited.

The PSP is an accelerated scholarship of junior UFS researchers in their first five years post-PhD. The prestige scholars participate in an intensive programme of support that includes international placement and intensive mentoring.

We use cookies to make interactions with our websites and services easy and meaningful. To better understand how they are used, read more about the UFS cookie policy. By continuing to use this site you are giving us your consent to do this.

Accept