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04 March 2025 | Story Precious Shamase | Photo Kwanele Madonsela
Deputy Director   - Academy for Multilingualism with the school teachers showing off the donated Dictionaries
Dr Tholani Hlongwa (middle), Deputy Director of the UFS Academy for Multilingualism, emphasised that such initiatives promote a deeper appreciation of diverse perspectives while helping to overcome communication barriers among learners.

International Mother Language Day marks its silver jubilee, highlighting 25 years of linguistic diversity advocacy. On Friday 21 February 2025, the world observed the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, a milestone celebrating a quarter of a century of efforts to promote multilingualism and cultural preservation.

International Mother Language Day, observed annually, promotes awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. The UFS Qwaqwa Campus' 2025 event not only celebrated this diversity, but it also provided tangible support to the local education system.

The event placed a spotlight on the importance of mother tongue-based education (MTBE), particularly as the South African government and the Department of Education continue to roll out MTBE in the fourth year of schooling (Grade 4).

The day’s primary objective was to cultivate a welcoming environment where learners could share their languages and cultural identities, a vision that directly aligns with the UFS’ Vision 130. This strategic framework champions inclusivity, which aims to create platforms where diverse communities can interact and learn from one another, solidifying a sense of belonging for all.

A key feature of the commemoration was the distribution of 40 bilingual pictorial dictionaries to two local primary schools in Qwaqwa. Notably, one school caters for hearing learners, while the other provides education for Deaf learners, ensuring inclusivity in the initiative.

"This event was more than just a celebration; it was a powerful demonstration of inclusivity in action," stated Dr Tholani Hlongwa, Deputy Director from the UFS Academy for Multilingualism. "By bringing together Deaf and hearing learners, we are breaking down communication barriers and fostering a deeper understanding of each other's unique perspectives."

"This year's commemoration held particular significance, as we witnessed the continued progression of mother tongue-based education within our national curriculum," said Dr Hlongwa. "These bilingual dictionaries will serve as invaluable tools for both teachers and learners, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of their mother languages."

The distribution of these resources aimed to support teaching and learning directly within the beneficiary schools, reinforcing the university's commitment to community engagement and educational development.

The Academy for Multilingualism at the UFS plays a crucial role in promoting and researching multilingualism, and this event highlighted its dedication to advancing language equity. The University of the Free State continues to demonstrate its dedication to the development of the communities surrounding its campuses.

The event at Thiboloha School for the Deaf and Blind stands as a testament to the UFS’ commitment to building a more inclusive and equitable society. By fostering dialogue and understanding, the university is actively contributing to a future where all individuals feel valued and respected. This initiative has not only enriched the lives of the participating learners, but it also set a precedent for future collaborations that champion multilingualism and inclusivity within the broader community.

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Student organisation tackles difficult questions in debate
2012-05-12

 

At the debate were, from the left: Danie Jacobs, Head of the Centre for Business Dynamics, Mhlanganisi Madlongolwana, Nombuso Ndlovu and Prof. JP Landman.
Photo: Leatitia Pienaar

 

“South Africa is consumed by a monster, namely the lack of critical thinking and dialogue with regard to our problems. Now is the time to make radical changes.” This is according to Nombuso Ndlovu, who spoke at the first debate in a series of Commercio and the UFS Business School.

“Young people are more interested in social gatherings than applying their minds to the problems of South Africa,” she said. Nombuso is the CEO of Commercio.

Commercio is the student organisation in the Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. Two teams, one positive and one negative, debated the topic: Is South Africa’s current economic direction viable?

What emerged from the debate was that our students are well-aware of what is going on in our economy and that people cannot just sit back and expect government to deliver. Every individual has a responsibility. South Africa has a “democratic deficit” society, a “corruption-stricken economy” and “economic activism” is necessary to get the economy on the right path.

Prof. JP Landman, Visiting Professor at the Business School, economic advisor, analyst, columnist and also managing director of the Aardklop Arts Festival, was the expert panel member. He said the critical issue in South Africa is “how do you distribute wealth while keeping things going?”

“It is fantastic that South Africans have developed a collective repulsiveness for corruption.” People must know what underpins society and where aggression comes from.
– Leatitia Pienaar.

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