25th Anniversary Commemoration of International Mother Language Day
The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), in collaboration with the National Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and the Mpumalanga Department of Culture, Sport, and Recreation, is commemorating International Mother Language Day on February 21, 2025, at Emnotweni Casino in Mbombela, Mpumalanga. This year’s commemoration marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, which is being observed under the theme “Make Languages Count for Sustainable Development.” This theme underscores the critical connection between language preservation and promotion and the adoption of multilingual education policies and practices on a global scale.
The observance of this day serves as a platform for promoting awareness of linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Discussions will emphasize the significance of mother tongue utilization, particularly within educational frameworks, as a means to enhance learning outcomes. Central to this discourse is the notable progress of the National roll-out of Mother Tongue-based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) by the Department of Basic Education to ensure equitable access to education, information, and socioeconomic mobility using mother tongue. The day’s celebrations will also include recognising and awarding of Top Learners in all official languages in the Mpumalanga Province. PanSALB CEO, Mr Lance Mr. Schultz said, “We believe that language is an integral part of our identity, culture, and heritage. The introduction of mother tongue-based bilingual education in schools will not only enhance the quality of education but also sustain linguistic and cultural diversity. It will provide learners with a sense of pride in their heritage and contribute to the development of a more inclusive and equitable society.”
The CEO further remarked that this celebration serves as a perpetual reminder and a foundational element in the pursuit of equitable access to education and lifelong learning opportunities for all. He commended the government's initiatives to promote mother tongue-based bilingual education and called upon all stakeholders to lend their support to this critical initiative. The national implementation of MTBBE thus represents a pivotal step toward not only decolonizing the educational landscape but also unlocking the potential of learners as guaranteed in the Constitution’s preamble.
Released on behalf of PanSALB: Ntombentle Huluhulu
Head: Marketing and Communication
Mobile: 061 581 5216
Website://www.pansalb.org || Facebook: @PanSALB ||Twitter:@PanSALB || Instragram: pansalb_za
For enquiries: Chief Director Communications, Zimasa Velaphi on 072 172 8925 or Email: ZimasaV@dsac.gov.za
National Department of Sport, Arts, and Culture
