In celebration of language Activism Month, Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) handed over certificates of excellence to the 2022 Gauteng matric top achievers at the School for the Deaf, in Katlehong on Thursday, 16 February 2023.
PanSALB in partnership with the City of Ekurhuleni, recognised the 2022 matric top achievers in Language, giving them certificates and prizes.
The aim was not only to celebrate the excellent students but to also promote the use and preservation of South African Languages.
“This is part of the Institutions’ effort to promote the use of mother tongue and the furtherance of multilingualism in the country”.
Dr. Dumisani Sibiya from the University of Johannesburg emphasised on the importance of teaching the younger generations about the importance of language and culture as a form of preservation.
“let us teach our children about our traditions and their importance so that they do not lose them along the way”, stated Dr. Sibiya.
In addition Edward Mudau, speaking on behalf of the PanSALB CEO stated that the deaf society needs to be recognised and accommodated.
“I hope that one day we will live in a society that also prioritises the use of sign language”, he said.
“In media too, I hope we will one day see stories and TV shows being told in a language that accommodates deaf people”, added Mudau.
Over 33 awards were handed over to language achievers, excluding in Isiswati as there has been “no enrollment for iSiswati language” in the region.
In closing, Matome Chiloane, MEC for Gauteng Education made an announcement that all students who were awarded will also be awarded with bursaries.
Kutlwano Mmeleke, one of the achievers said: “I’m proud to be one of the students who were recognised, it is an honor for me and it shows that language is important”.
By Simphiwe Khumalo