Languages: 
READ IN ISIXHOSA - ABAHLOHLI ABANE BAPHEHLELELE IINCWADI ZOBUGCISA EZINE
Four academics in the Faculty of Law, Society, and Social Sciences and the Directorate for Transformation and Languages (DTL), respectively, were among the five authors who launched creative writing books to commemorate International Mother Tongue Day on Wednesday at Walter Sisulu University's Mthatha Campus.
Author and Languages and IKS Manager, from the DTL, Sinoyolo Nokutywa said, "We are here today because we have a mandate to develop indigenous languages. We also celebrate the university recognising isiXhosa, Sesotho, and South African Sign language as the university’s official language.”
Nokutywa, in collaboration with the with Department of African Languages, Dr Pheliwe Mbatyoti launched a drama book of poems, entitled, 'Ah! Zwelibanzi! Mabhodl'ebhenguza," and a short story book, titled 'Imbadu zikaCirha, uDlamini, noMegebe", in collaboration with a colleague from the University of Free State, Enkosi Mondleki.
"In order to spark interest amongt the youth, we need to inspire them to writing and publish our own stories in our native languages so that they know it is possible for them also. Currently, we are taking the lead in that regard and writing a book with some of our students,” said Nokutywa.
Meanwhile, co-author, Mbatyoti, said, “I want society to learn the importance of learning other languages, not only to preserve them, but to boast about them and their beauty to the world.”
She added, “our languages as Africans are intertwined and they unite us in ways that cannot be imagined. It’s fascinating how we (as African) can communicate in our natives’ mother languages and still be able to understand each other.”
Also launching their books were Head of Department, African Languages, Dr Yolisa Madolo (with Nompumelelo Magwane-Mvandaba, Noxolo Mildred Ngumbela & Lulama Dyasi) entitled ‘Imfihlo isebhokisini, a collection of short stories; while Department of Arts academic, Nonceba Mabena launched a short story and poetry book entitled “Isikhwebu.”
The fifth book launched was ‘Isizukulwana Esingenalusini’ by Margaret Majarana from Libode, a member of the OR Tambo Writers’ Association.
The keynote speaker at the launch was the Chief Education Specialist in Humanities Planning, under the Learning and Communication - Progress in Education division of the Eastern Cape Department of Education, Lumkile Mgxigxwa.
He said, "The partnership between the Department and higher education institutions is teaching vital because we are trying striving for students to be taught in the languages of the province at the university level."
This comes after Mgxigxwa announced that one of the objectives is to increase the number of children and expand the grades in which learning and teaching is offered in their mother languages in the basic education in the province
By Ongezwa Sigodi
