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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.

News Archive

SRC President to advocate for all students during term
2017-04-10

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Skhululekile Luwaca, the newly elected SRC President
on the Bloemfontein Campus.

Photo: Johan Roux

 

With a grateful heart, Sikhulekile Luwaca takes up his position as Student Representative Council (SRC) President on the Bloemfontein Campus, after the results of the election were announced on 29 March 2017.

An integrated leader

Sikhulekile, known as SK among his peers, said that as a leader, he needed to integrate himself with the student community, and from there he would have the influence to make an impact on society. “I believe in being an open-minded leader who is open to engagement and peaceful resolutions.”

SK said he would like to represent the interest of all students and invited them to raise their concerns. By the end of his term, he wanted to have achieved a number of goals, which include the integration of off-campus students and to provide a shuttle service for them. He said he also wanted to establish and launch an SRC fund. Furthermore he plans to make sure that all structures of student governance are functional, to name but a few.

2017 SRC candidates

The SRC members at the Bloemfontein Campus are:

President: Sikhulekile Luwaca
Vice-President: Surprise Manyaiyi
Secretary: Nothando Hlophe
Treasurer: Ntombi Nhlapo
Student Development and Environmental Affairs: Silindelokuhle Mthethwa
Transformation: Mathlodi Leteane
Arts and Culture: Joseph Ntebele
Sport: Nombulelo Booi
Media and Marketing: Refilwe Motsumi
Student Accessibility and Support: Donald Litsoane
Legal and Constitutional Affairs: John Modukanele
First Generation Students: Mohau Lesebo
Academic Student Council: Sekese Rasephei
Rag and Community Service: Gert Jan van der Walt
Day Residence and Commuter Student Council: Gontse Choane
Postgraduate Student Council: Mpoi Makhetha
International Student Council: Takudzwa Nyamunda
On Campus Residence Council: Natasha Kabaso
Dialogue and Associations Council: Asive Dlanjwa
Student Media Council: Puseletso Mashego

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