{"id":37079,"date":"2026-05-26T11:01:06","date_gmt":"2026-05-26T11:01:06","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/?p=37079"},"modified":"2026-05-26T14:07:36","modified_gmt":"2026-05-26T14:07:36","slug":"vut-marks-africa-day-with-trilingual-glossary-launch","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/vut-marks-africa-day-with-trilingual-glossary-launch\/","title":{"rendered":"VUT marks Africa Day with trilingual glossary launch"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>&#8220;VUT marked Africa Day 2026 with a vibrant celebration focused on African languages, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable development. The event featured the launch of Standardised Trilingual Glossaries aligned with Agenda 2063.&#8221;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>26 May 2026 | Story by: Nontobeko Moimane | Picture: Peter Masela<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">7 minutes read time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img fetchpriority=\"high\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"576\" src=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Africa-Day-1024x576.webp\" alt=\"VUT marked Africa Day 2026 with a vibrant celebration focused on African languages, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable development. The event featured the launch of Standardised Trilingual Glossaries aligned with Agenda 2063\" class=\"wp-image-37091\" srcset=\"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Africa-Day-1024x576.webp 1024w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Africa-Day-300x169.webp 300w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Africa-Day-768x432.webp 768w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Africa-Day-1536x864.webp 1536w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Africa-Day-18x10.webp 18w, https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Africa-Day.webp 2048w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Vaal University of Technology (VUT), through its African Languages Development Unit (ALDU) in collaboration with Advanced Diploma in Public Relations students, hosted a powerful and intellectually engaging Africa Day 2026 celebration. The event brought together academics, students, government stakeholders, diplomats, and cultural practitioners under a unifying theme: \u201cCelebrating African Languages, Knowledge Systems, and Sustainable Water &amp; Sanitation for Agenda 2063.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">More than a commemorative occasion, the celebration became a living expression of Africa\u2019s intellectual heritage, linguistic diversity, and developmental aspirations, anchored in the official launch of the Standardised Trilingual Glossaries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">At the heart of the event was a shared recognition: African languages are not peripheral to knowledge production; they are central to it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In her opening address, Ms Elize Huer, Director for Staff Development at CAD, reflected on Africa Day not simply as a date of remembrance, but as a celebration of people, resilience, creativity, and shared destiny. She reminded attendees that Africa\u2019s strength lies in its diversity and its vast human and natural potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her message resonated with a powerful call to action: African unity is not abstract; it is built through individual and collective responsibility in advancing the continent\u2019s prosperity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This spirit of reflection and responsibility set the tone for a programme that consistently returned to one central idea: Africa\u2019s future must be defined by Africans, in African voices, through African knowledge systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Delivering a deeply intellectual keynote, Dr Jacob Thamaga, Manager for ALDU, highlighted that Africa Day represents unity, identity, and cultural pride, while also underscoring the importance of indigenous knowledge systems in higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He emphasised that language is not merely a communication tool, but a carrier of history, worldview, and intellectual heritage. The launch of the Standardised Trilingual Glossaries, he noted, marks a significant milestone in transforming access to academic knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cThese glossaries are not just translations,\u201d he explained, \u201cthey are instruments of cognitive access, inclusion, and epistemic justice.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He further praised VUT for advancing multilingualism in practice through website translation initiatives, multilingual graduation ceremonies, and the integration of African languages into teaching and learning materials.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr Jacob Thamaga explained the rigorous methodology for glossary development, including lexicon extraction, expert verification, peer review, and final validation. This ensures that African languages can convey scientific, technological, and academic meaning at the highest level.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The initiative represents more than terminology development; it is a transformation of epistemic access. It affirms that African languages are fully capable of expressing complex academic and professional concepts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">VUT Vice-Chancellor and Principal, Professor Khehla Ndlovu, situated Africa Day within the broader continental agenda of development, unity, and sustainability. He reflected on the historical significance of Africa Day and the formation of the African Union, highlighting its continued relevance in addressing contemporary challenges.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">According to Professor Ndlovu, Africa remains a continent of immense promise but must confront urgent realities, including water scarcity, inequality, climate change, and unemployment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Crucially, he positioned universities as key drivers of African solutions:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cInstitutions of higher learning must become active drivers of African solutions for African challenges.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He further emphasised that African languages are central to academic success and social cohesion, noting that multilingualism enhances inclusion, student success, and educational equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His address reinforced a strong institutional commitment: VUT is not merely participating in transformation; it is actively shaping it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A defining feature of the celebration was the official launch of Standardised Trilingual Glossaries developed through collaborative academic processes involving specialists, translators, editors, and subject experts.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His Excellency Mr Rod Rembendambya, High Commissioner and Ambassador of Gabon, delivered a compelling address that reinforced Africa\u2019s shared destiny and unity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He reflected on Africa Day as a moment of remembrance and renewal, emphasising solidarity, peace, and cooperation among African nations. Drawing from African philosophical traditions such as Ubuntu, he reminded attendees:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">\u201cWe are because we are one.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He highlighted the importance of maintaining cultural identity even as African nations modernise, cautioning against forms of development that disconnect people from their cultural roots.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His message reinforced the importance of African unity as a foundation for sustainable progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Dr Sally Maepa from the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) brought a critical perspective on linguistic justice to the conversation. She emphasised that African languages must not remain secondary tools of communication but must be elevated as languages of scholarship, research, and governance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She strongly advocated for multilingual classrooms, arguing that teaching exclusively in English perpetuates educational inequality in systems serving multilingual societies.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her contribution reinforced a central theme of the day: linguistic inclusion is not optional; it is a constitutional and social justice imperative.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Professor Nomalungelo Ngubane from the University of the Free State highlighted the importance of inter institutional collaboration in advancing multilingualism across higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She praised VUT\u2019s leadership in implementing multilingual policies and stressed that classrooms are inherently multilingual spaces where students bring diverse linguistic realities.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Her address reinforced the idea that African languages must be fully integrated into teaching, learning, and research to ensure meaningful academic transformation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Representatives from heritage and development sectors, including Ms Zamajobe Sithole from the National Heritage Council (NHC), underscored the importance of protecting African heritage as a living system of identity and knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">She emphasised that heritage is not confined to museums or monuments but lives in language, music, memory, and community storytelling.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Similarly, Mr Xolani Hadebe contributed a development focused perspective, linking water security and sanitation challenges to broader African development goals under Agenda 2063.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">His presentation highlighted the intersection between infrastructure development, sustainability, and social equity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Adding a grounded institutional perspective, Ms Lebohang Radebe, a Fine Art lecturer at VUT, emphasised that African languages should never be a barrier to education. She noted that the newly launched glossaries will significantly support students navigating complex academic terminology.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Meanwhile, Ms Dieketseng Mpakane, a VUT Library Assistant, reflected on the deeper meaning of Africa Day, emphasising African unity and shared humanity beyond cultural differences.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr Vido Kungune, Director: Internationalisation at VUT, delivered the vote of thanks by expressing heartfelt appreciation to all distinguished guests, university leadership, diplomats, academics, students, and partners who contributed to the success of the Africa Day 2026 celebration.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He highlighted that the event was a true reflection of collaboration and collective effort, acknowledging the African Languages Development Unit, the Public Relations students, and all behind the scenes teams whose dedication ensured a successful programme.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He emphasised that in internationalisation, success is built on partnership and collaboration, \u201cpartner or perish\u201d as a guiding principle for meaningful academic and cultural engagement.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Reflecting on the significance of Africa Day, he reminded attendees that the celebration goes beyond remembrance of history; it is a celebration of Africa\u2019s diversity, resilience, innovation, and cultural richness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He drew attention to Africa\u2019s global heritage, referencing iconic landmarks, historical civilisations, and cultural contributions that position the continent as a space of pride and possibility.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Mr Kungune further reinforced the importance of African languages and multilingualism as central to social cohesion, intercultural understanding, and institutional transformation. He noted that VUT\u2019s diverse academic community benefits greatly from embracing linguistic and cultural diversity, which strengthens internationalisation and mutual respect.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He also encouraged students to view education as a powerful tool for critical thinking, innovation, and societal transformation, urging them to become creators of opportunity rather than passive recipients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He emphasised that Africa\u2019s future depends on its youth being ethical, innovative, and united in purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In closing, he reaffirmed the vision of Agenda 2063: The Africa We Want, calling for a continent that is united, peaceful, innovative, and prosperous.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">He encouraged guests to visit the exhibition stands to appreciate Africa\u2019s cultural richness further and expressed gratitude to everyone who contributed to making the Africa Day celebration a meaningful success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Across all speeches and reflections, a unifying message emerged: Africa\u2019s transformation depends on reclaiming, strengthening, and institutionalising African knowledge systems.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Africa Day 2026 celebration at VUT demonstrated that language, heritage, science, and development are not separate domains; they are interconnected pillars of African progress.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">As the event concluded, one message echoed throughout the halls: Africa\u2019s future is not only to be imagined; it is already being built in African languages, through African institutions, by African people.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Moreover, at VUT, that future is already in motion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.flickr.com\/photos\/196506263@N08\/albums\/72177720333834282\/with\/55292551079\" title=\"\">Catch the fill experience Flickr<\/a> <\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>&#8220;VUT marked Africa Day 2026 with a vibrant celebration focused on African languages, indigenous knowledge systems, and sustainable development. The [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":37091,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[47,1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-37079","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-latest-news-vaal-university-of-technology","category-uncategorized"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37079","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37079"}],"version-history":[{"count":3,"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37079\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":37251,"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37079\/revisions\/37251"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37091"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37079"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37079"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/vut.ac.za\/nso\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37079"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}