By Zindzi Nkunzi

In celebrating 200 years of isiXhosa as a written language, Rhodes University hosted a celebratory event at the Amazwi South African Museum of Literature. The event was supported by Rhodes University; the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB); Amazwi South African Museum of Literature; Makana Municipality; Home of Legends; South African Library for the Blind (SALB); Republic of South Africa, Department of Sport, Arts & Culture, and the Province of the Eastern Cape, Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts & Culture.

This day commemorated the remarkable work done to help develop and preserve the isiXhosa language. Furthermore, the day was hosted to discuss and address possible ways to empower African languages now and in the future. 

The Executive Mayor, Councillor Yandiswa Vara, extended a warm welcome to all dignitaries, distinguished guests, learners, and all attendees. In her welcoming remarks, she shared that all tribes are differentiated by their languages. “The isiXhosa nation is living today because of those that have paved the way and our history. Language is the greatest weapon given to us to differentiate ourselves and dominate all creation,” she said.

Councillor Vara highlighted the importance of preserving African languages as they are viewed and seen as inferior. “The use of your home language does not make you look illiterate,” she said.  

Programme Director for the day, Mr Siyabulela Makwethu shared, “We all know that some isiXhosa speakers mix the language with English, but it is important to acknowledge that some can speak the language fluently without mixing. Our languages will be preserved by us.” 

Head of the School of Languages and Literatures, Dr Bulelwa Nosilela, gave historical background to the use and writing of the isiXhosa language. “Today, we are celebrating 200 years of isiXhosa as a written language, based on the first written text by John Benny in 1823. However, other people paved the way prior, as they had started writing words.” She extended a hand of gratitude to all supporters and attendees of the event. “I am happy that we are all gathered here to celebrate this special and important day,” she added.  

Director-General for Basic Education, Mr Hubert Mathanzima Mweli shared that, “our cultures are different; however, we have other elements that unite us.” Additionally, he urged every isiXhosa language speaker to pride themselves in their home language and continue to honour and celebrate it every day instead of only on certain days. “It is important for us to use our languages in all disciplines and not only acknowledge them when we celebrate them on a particular day,” he said.  

Honourable MEC Nonceba Kontsiwe highlighted the importance of celebrating 200 years of isiXhosa as a written language. She said, “We must be proud of our languages.” She encouraged the youth to be proud of their culture and languages. “The young generation are leaders of tomorrow,” she said.

She encouraged everyone to work on doing something to contribute to the empowerment and preservation of African languages. “We must not blame the government for everything; we must work on doing something,” she said.

A panel discussion facilitated by Senior Manager-Languages Services DSRAC, Ms Busisiwe Jemsana-Mantashe took place.

Rhodes University School of Languages and Literatures, Research Associate Dr Vulindlela Mona spoke about the history of the isiXhosa language. He echoed the same sentiments as MEC Kontsiwe, “I do not believe we should blame the government, but we ought to work for our languages.”

The School of Languages and Literatures lecturer, Professor Ncedile Saule, shared information about literature writing. Senior Provincial Manager, Dr Xolisa Tshongolo spoke about the recent changes and developments in spelling and writing rules in the isiXhosa language. Dr Buyiswa Mini discussed the use of the isiXhosa language in the educational sector. “Speaking English is not an indication of intelligence,” she said. Additionally, she shared that mother-tongue bilingual-based education (MTBBE) advocates for the use of African languages in educational settings.

The event was filled with traditional dances, cultural performances by Kuyasa School, and poems from different attendees.