International Mother Language Day is observed to acknowledge the role language plays in communicating multicultural knowledge and the enrichment of sustainable society in the world by promoting the diversity of linguistic expression. UNESCO marks a quarter century of observing the day this year.
As part and parcel of Celebrating International Language Day on Friday 21st February, Puku Literature Foundation reaffirmed collaboration with the Unisa College of Humanities and Ilifa Labantwana Foundation to continue striving towards the inclusion of local languages in the book value chain. Physically present to witness the momentous occassion were many dignitaries, literary and language advocates, practitioners and artists.
In this photo on the day: Puku Executive Director, Elinor Sisulu (standing left) directs the signing as Chairperson Mme Fazila Montsi, UNISA Vice Chancellor Prof Lenka Bula, Ilifa Chairperson Mabutho “Kid” Sithole do the honors (seated) whilst Gauteng Premier Lesufi looks on in front of the attendees assembled and as assorted media record the event.
More photographs, video-clips and takeaways can be found on the respective organizations’ social media pages and articles in print and online from various news sources that covered the event including students from UNISA and TUT, media publishing interns and community journalists.
The Vice Chancellor of UNISA, Professor Lenka Bula set the tone with the urgen clall to protect our languages for future generations to benefit from the unique indigenous knowledge systems inherent in the spoken and written words of our culture. In his keynote addres, Premier Lesufi recognised the importance of supporting initiatives for the preservation of our languages as a statement of Africa’s unique identity in a global context by pursuing procurement processes for Provincial libraries that are transformative whilst preparing South African children for opportunities across Africa and the world by means of a forward looking curriculum.
Between speeches, guests were treated to musical guest Pleasure tsa Mangyalo and praise poetry by Mmathoke.
A panel discussion was moderateed by Prof. Puleng Segalo before lunch was served. The panel included Language Activist and Actor Lesley Musina, Prof Mpho Ngoepe of UNISA Library, Dr Kolobe, Honorable Lesufi and Prof Pinkie Phaahla.
A message of support was delivered by Tshwane University of Technology with many young students in attendance.
Finally a vote of thanks was given by HRH Prof Siyasanga Tyali, Chair of the Communication & Media Studies Department at UNISA’s College of Human Sciences.
Puku Children’s Literature Foundation won the prestigious UNESCO King Sejong Literacy Award in 2021 for the utilisation of digital technologies in the promotion of children’s literature in indigenous African languages.
Puku continues to work towards greater access and inclusion for children’s books in Mother-tongue with the launch of the Pukupedia digital platform, enabling a superior book selection tool enhanced by ONIX metadata records that are enriched by quality reviews aiding discovery of books in the local languages of South Africa.
