“VUT co-hosted the first Linguistic Society of SA conference in Aug 2025, uniting experts to advance indigenous languages, multilingualism & research”
1 September 2025 | Story By: Staff Reporter| Picture: Supplied
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From 19 to 22 August 2025, the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) co-hosted the inaugural conference of the Linguistic Society of South Africa (LSSA) at the Birchwood Hotel and OR Tambo Conference Centre in Boksburg. Organised with partners including Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), University of Johannesburg (UJ), University of South Africa (UNISA), the Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture and Recreation, and the South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SaDILAR), the event brought together nearly 200 delegates from across South Africa and beyond. It marked a significant advance in linguistic scholarship and the promotion of indigenous languages.
The LSSA, founded in 2023, was established to unify the country’s diverse linguistic associations and stakeholders. Inspired by South Africa’s 30 years of democracy, the society seeks to advance philosophical, sociological and scientific studies of language, in line with international counterparts. Its mission is to strengthen linguistic research while reflecting on language’s role in shaping social transformation.
Centred on the theme “A linguistic assessment on the 30 years of democracy: A South African context,” the conference explored the interface between language, democracy and governance. Discussions highlighted the integration of multilingualism into municipal development plans, the importance of decolonial frameworks, and the nurturing of emerging scholars. The National Research Foundation (NRF), the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) and the Independent Communications Authority of South Africa (ICASA) reinforced the need for linguistic development in academia, media and policy.
The programme was strengthened by practical workshops and insightful keynote addresses. The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SaDILAR) showcased digital tools for preserving indigenous languages, while the Pan South African
Language Board (PanSALB) underscored the importance of enforcing multilingual policies and protecting linguistic rights. Delegates were also introduced to the emerging field of aviation linguistics, highlighting its relevance for South Africa’s evolving language landscape.
Several notable outcomes emerged, including stronger collaboration between institutions, government and cultural bodies, as well as calls for embedding language into local governance. Support for early-career researchers and an emphasis on decolonial methodologies set a progressive agenda for future linguistic development in the country. The participation of leaders such as Deputy Minister Dickson Masemola of Co-operative Governance and Traditional Affairs (CoGTA), Professor Richard Madadzhe, Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning at the University of Limpopo (UL), and Professor Tinyiko Maluleke, Vice-Chancellor and Principal of the Tshwane University of Technology (TUT), underscored the institutional commitment to advancing this vision.
Reflecting on VUT’s contribution, Dr Muntuwenkosi Chili, Executive Director of the Centre for Academic Development, expressed pride in the university’s role. He highlighted initiatives such as trilingual glossaries, indigenous language video content, multilingual signage and interpreting services as evidence of VUT’s commitment to multilingualism. Commending VUT staff members Mr Jacob Thamaga and Mr Ishmael Molatou for their work in establishing the LSSA, Dr Chili noted that the society is well positioned to expand its impact, establish provincial chapters and deepen community engagement in the years ahead.