24 February 2025 | Story: Qhawekazi Memani | Photo: Naledi Nkosi
3 minutes read time
On 19 February 2025, the Vaal University of Technology’s (VUT) African Languages Development Unit (ALDU), within the Centre for Academic Development (CAD), welcomed a delegation from the Department of Higher Education and Training (DHET) for a site visit at the Quest Conference Centre.
The visit provided an opportunity for DHET representatives to engage with the ALDU team, assess the progress made, and collaborate on mechanisms to enhance language development efforts at VUT.
This engagement formed part of DHET’s broader initiative to monitor institutional advancements in implementing the national language framework. The visit focused on evaluating VUT’s commitment and achievements in promoting multilingualism and the use of historically marginalised languages in higher education. Delegates acknowledged receipt of a comprehensive progress report from VUT, expressing gratitude for the detailed insights that led to more in-depth discussions and contributed to refining strategies for the remainder of the project term.
Dr Elize Heuer, the Director Staff & Student Support Centre of Academic Development at VUT, officially welcomed the DHET representatives, providing context on the language policy journey in higher education. According to the DHET delegates, DHET initially adopted a language policy for higher education in 2002, but challenges over the years hindered its full implementation. In 2020, the department introduced a language framework to strengthen accountability and support the development of indigenous languages. The delegation noted that, despite the funding provided to institutions, additional support mechanisms were necessary to drive sustainable policy execution effectively.
The highlight of the visit was a presentation by Mr Jacob Thamaga, Manager of VUT’s ALDU, who outlined the unit’s milestones. He emphasised the team’s tireless efforts in reviewing VUT’s language policy, which was successfully approved by the University Council in 2022. Since then, the ALDU has made significant strides, including translating key institutional documents, developing glossaries, translating campus signage, offering language tutoring services, and translating the university website into Sesotho and Sepedi. These initiatives aim to foster inclusivity and broaden access to education through multilingualism.
The DHET delegation commended VUT for establishing the African Language Development Unit and appointing staff members to advance the development of historically marginalised languages. They were highly impressed by the unit’s dedication, praising the team for its passion, proactive approach, and commitment to achieving the policy mandate. Although the unit currently focuses on three languages, the delegates noted that this was a promising step towards greater linguistic inclusivity. They also applauded the collegial atmosphere and the comprehensive nature of the presentation, which effectively demonstrated how VUT is leveraging multilingualism to create a more inclusive academic environment.
Feedback from DHET emphasised the need for continued improvements in certain areas, while also acknowledging VUT’s alignment of language choices with the institution’s demographic and student needs. The delegation reiterated that their role was not to inspect but to support and collaborate with universities in enhancing language policy implementation.
The visit concluded with closing remarks from Mr Thamaga and Dr Heuer, who expressed appreciation to the DHET delegates, ALDU colleagues, and VUT staff for their participation. They also extended gratitude to the university’s management for its ongoing support in strengthening language development efforts at VUT.