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28 February 2024 | Story ANTHONY MTHEMBU | Photo Anthony Mthembu
Tlotlisang Mhlambiso’s Literary Debut Promotes IsiXhosa Heritage
Tlotlisang Mhlambiso, with three student participants awarded copies of the anthology.

The University of the Free State Library and Information Services (UFS LIS), in collaboration with the UFS African Languages Press (UFSALP) and the Charmza Literary Club, recently hosted a significant book launch event. This gathering celebrated the debut anthology titled “Phind’ubhale: Imibongo YesiXhosa” by Tlotlisang Mhlambiso, a student at the UFS. The event, held on 24 February 2024 at the Assemblies of God church in Bloemfontein, attracted a diverse audience, including educators and students from local schools such as Ihobe Primary School, Vulamasango Secondary School and Nozala Intermediate School.

About the anthology

Mhlambiso’s anthology comprises nearly 60 poems, all composed in IsiXhosa, his native language. Exploring themes ranging from mental health and love to faith and navigating life’s challenges, Mhlambiso underscores the significance of writing in indigenous languages, considering it an integral part of cultural heritage. He aims not only to promote IsiXhosa but also to inspire and empower young readers.

Appropriately released during the International Mother Language Day celebrations on 21 February 2024, the anthology launch aligns with the mission of UFS LIS and UFSALP to foster a culture of reading among learners and encourage recreational reading in IsiXhosa.

The launch event

During the event, Mhlambiso engaged with the audience, particularly the learners, who had the opportunity to recite excerpts from the anthology. Mhlambiso himself recited one of his favourite poems from the book, titled “Phind’ubhale.” Outstanding student participants were rewarded with copies of the anthology as part of an initiative aimed at promoting literacy and motivation among young learners.

Commenting on the event, Vuyisile Mpinga, Principal of Nozala Intermediate School, expressed gratitude, noting the positive impact such initiatives have on learner motivation and achievement.

Mhlambiso’s future endeavours

Despite his notable literary achievements, Mhlambiso remains committed to furthering the cause of indigenous languages. Currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education Honours in Curriculum Studies, with a specialisation in Languages, he intends to advocate for the importance of indigenous languages in schools across the country.  

Book Launch

Tlotlisang Mhlambiso with educators from the schools invited to the launch.  

News Archive

UFS centenary reaches a peak
2004-10-04

The University of the Free State’s (UFS) centenary celebrations will reach a peak next week when various functions will be presented on campus.

On Tuesday 12 October 2004 the Centenary Complex, the new prestige entertainment venue of the UFS, will be officially opened. The complex is situated on the terrain of the old Reitz dining hall and will be utilised as reception and socialising area for UFS management, staff and alumni. The DF Malherbe House forms part of this complex.

The festivities will continue the next day ( Wednesday 13 October 2004) with the premiere of a documentary programme – commissioned by the UFS as part of its centenary celebrations - about the life and legacy of King Moshoeshoe, the Basotho leader of the nineteenth century. The documentary will focus on his role in reconciliation, nation-building and bringing about peace in this region. The producer of this insightful work is the well-known journalist Mr Max du Preez. The documentary will be screened on SABC 2 later this year.

On Thursday 14 October 2004 a special honorary doctorate graduation ceremony will take place in front of the UFS’s main building. During this event 12 honorary doctorates will be awarded to a diverse group of outstanding South Africans and international experts.

The honorary doctorates will be awarded to: Me Antjie Krog, Prof Jakes Gerwel, Mr Karel Schoeman, Dr Frederick van Zyl Slabbert, Prof Saleem Badat, Dr Khotso Mokhele, Prof Robert Bringle, Prof Leo Quayle, Prof Jack de Wet, Prof Kerneels Nel (postuum), Prof Boelie Wessels and Prof Jaap Steyn.

This group of honorary doctorates is the last in a total of 18 which will be honored during the UFS centenary year.

The next day, Friday 15 October 2004 , more than 100 centenary medals will be awarded to current staff, former staff and alumni.

Media release
Issued by: Lacea Loader
Media Representative
Tel: (051) 401-2584
Cell: 083 645 2454
E-mail: loaderl.stg@mail.uovs.ac.za
5 October 2004

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