Centred around the theme “My Health is My Mother Tongue,” the Durban University of Technology hosted a celebration at its City Campus, highlighting the crucial role of indigenous languages in preserving cultural identity and promoting social cohesion.
The Durban University of Technology (DUT), in collaboration with the Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust and the KZN Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture, hosted a vibrant celebration for International Mother Language Day at the City Campus on Friday, 21 February.
The event focused on the vital importance of preserving and promoting indigenous languages, emphasising their cultural and social significance within South Africa’s diverse society. It also sparked critical discussions on epistemic access in higher education—ensuring that students can engage with and access knowledge in their native languages.
“Language is more than just utterances; it encompasses posture, behaviour, and identity,” said Professor Jean Baxen, Interim Dean of DUT’s Faculty of Arts and Design, emphasising the role of language in personal and academic growth.
Jabulani Simelane, Director of the Pan South African Language Board, reinforced the need for students to learn in their mother tongues across all disciplines, from the arts to the sciences. He highlighted the Department of Arts and Culture’s role in promoting indigenous languages and called for global recognition of significant historical events, such as Youth Day, to be celebrated internationally.
The energy soared when Dr Gcina Mhlope, a celebrated storyteller and cultural icon, took to the stage. Her performance of “Abadla” ignited the crowd, bringing students and guests together in song and dance, embodying the communal spirit of the occasion.
Reflecting on the event, Dr Mhlope expressed gratitude for the opportunity to celebrate the day in Durban alongside DUT and the Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture. “Our partnership ensures that our languages matter and help us build a better future,” she said. She also shared a heartfelt message:
“At the Gcinamasiko Trust, we say, ‘Connect to the past and reach for the future.’ Always know where you come from and arm yourself for what lies ahead. Languages are like the stars in the night sky—shining brightly, embracing who we are. Speak your language with love and pride.”
Pinky Radebe, Head of Communications at the KZN Tourism and Film Authority, joined a panel discussion on strengthening mother-tongue usage across academia, tourism, film, and society. The conversation underscored language as a powerful tool for cultural expression and societal development.
The celebration reinforced the importance of linguistic diversity, providing a platform to discuss the preservation of South Africa’s rich linguistic heritage. It also highlighted the need for equitable access to education, ensuring students can learn and thrive in the languages they speak, fostering greater participation and academic success.
