A moment of appreciation: Prof. Gawie Schlebusch received a token of appreciation from his Faculty of Humanities and CUT Executive Management following his insightful inaugural lecture. From left Dr Luzaan Schlebusch (wife), Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Prof. Gawie Schlebusch, Senior Lecturer-Welkom Campus, Prof. Wendy Setlalentoa, acting Deputy Vice-Chancellor: Research Innovation and Engagement and Prof. David Ngidi, Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Teaching and Learning.

On 08 May 2025, the Central University of Technology, Free State (CUT), celebrated Prof. Gawie Schlebusch's inauguration as a full professor. Hosted at the Welkom Campus, his lecture became the second professorial inauguration ceremony to be hosted at the campus, underscoring the enormous contribution of the Welkom Campus to the university’s academic projects.

In her welcoming address, Prof. Pamela Dube, Vice-Chancellor and Principal, congratulated Prof. Schlebusch on his academic excellence and his significant contributions to the field of education. “We are here not only to celebrate an academic achievement but to honour a journey of dedication, critical thought, and commitment to transforming education in our country. Celebrating this milestone, not only highlights the critical role language plays in academic success and peer social connections but it illuminates the barriers faced by many of our learners.”

When delivering his Inaugural Lecture titled “Limited Proficiency in South African Schools: Past, Present, and Future”, Prof. Schlebusch focused on the ongoing challenges faced by learners with Limited English Proficiency (LEP). He provided an in-depth exploration of how language barriers affect learners' academic progress and social integration, particularly when English is not their home language.

“Learners are not failing the system, the system is failing them due to lack of support for their linguistic needs,” he emphasised. Using the two different levels of language proficiency in a second language learner-Basic Interpersonal Communications Skills (BICS) and Cognitive Academic Language Proficiency (CALP) framework, he explained the critical difference between the everyday communication and academic language, advocating for structured support to close the gap.

The lecture encouraged for additive bilingualism, which supports the development of English while preserving learners’ home languages. He presented strategies such as scaffolded instruction, explicit vocabulary teaching, and responsible code-switching as ways to support and empower multilingual learners in the classroom.

The lecture reflected on CUT’s commitment to academic excellence, inclusivity, and the pursuit of knowledge that responds to real challenges. Prof. Schlebusch’s message was clear- transforming education in South Africa begins with the need for equitable educational practices, creating inclusive learning environment, acknowledging and addressing the language needs of all learners.

Prof. Gawie Schlebusch (2^nd from left) and his family, from left: Amri (daughter), Dr Luzaan Schlebusch (wife) and Johann (son).