_{In picture from left: Dr. Ntsoaki Malebo (Senior Director: Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching), Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng (Guest Speaker and former UCT Vice-Chancellor) and Dr. Choice Makhetha (Executive Director: Office of the Vice-Chancellor).}

CUT Bloemfontein Campus SRC joined forces with the Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) under the leadership of Prof. Ntsoaki Malebo, Senior Director: CILT and Dr. Bernard Sebake, Dean of Students, to engage the university community in critical discussions on preserving indigenous languages for their crucial role in reshaping teaching and learning. 

The seminar, which took place on 9 May aligned with various activities of the May anniversary of the African Union under the theme: "Justice for Africans and People of African Descent."  

It brought together the Embo CUT Xhosa Society, The CUT Student Representative Council (SRC), and the CUT Centre for Innovation in Learning and Teaching (CILT) to commemorate the Africa Month events and promote the use of South African Indigenous languages in higher education.

“This three-day SRC quality assurance week is part of the ongoing engagement within the student organisations and structures to accommodate and bring about a vibrant, diverse, cultural communication link within the university, including language preservation,” said Bloemfontein SRC President, Ms Jemina Mokoena.

^{Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng (Guest Speaker and former UCT Vice-Chancellor) addressing students about the power of language at the Dialogue on Preserving Indigenous Languages.}

Professor Mamokgethi Phakeng, former Vice-Chancellor of the University of Cape Town, delivered a keynote address titled “The Preservation of South African Indigenous Languages: From Language-as-Problem to Language-as-Resource,”

In her deliberations, Prof. Phakeng emphasised the transformative power of language, citing that language is a powerful tool. It determines who gets the platform to speak, who gets heard, who gets understood, who gets published, who feels confident, and who stays silent. She encouraged the audience to learn and speak African languages and empower themselves.

The event also showcased vibrant cultural performances by groups such as EzikaShaka, the EMBO Xhosa Society, VhaTshonga, and Tswana cultural groups, who delighted guests with their traditional dances, Amagwijo and music.

^{In picture from left: Mr. S Lombo (Chairperson of Embo CUT Xhosa Society) addressed his peers to be proud of who they are and embrace their African heritage. Looking on is Ms. Jemina Mokoena, SRC President.}

Prof. Malebo, Senior Director of CILT, and Dr Choice Makhetha, Executive Director in the Office of the Vice-Chancellor, expressed their appreciation for the visionary leadership of the SRC under President Jemina Mokoena's stewardship and acknowledged the organising team for their dedication to making the event a resounding success.

“As we commemorate Africa Month, these discussions on indigenous languages will not end here; they will continue to find expression within the CUT community and across the continent,” said Prof. Malebo.

Uploaded: 19 May 2025