VUT Hosts workshop on translanguaging for Mandela Day
26 JULY 2024 | STORY FORSYTHIA MEMANI. PHOTO VUT.
On 18 July 2024, the African Languages Development Unit (ALDU) at the Vaal University of Technology (VUT) hosted a significant workshop on translanguaging.
The event was specifically tailored for VUT mentors and tutors to commemorate International Mandela Day, emphasising the significance of developing African languages post-1994 and addressing their historical marginalization. Following the establishment of a new constitution recognizing 12 official languages, the South African government mandated Higher Education Institutions to develop, promote, and preserve these languages.
This initiative aims to enhance multilingualism, and integrate these languages into teaching and learning activities, with the aim of addressing challenges such as high failure and low graduate throughput rates.
Delivering the welcoming and purpose of the day, Miss Elize Heuer, Director of Staff Development Support, and Jacob Thamaga, ALDU Manager , highlighted the importance of these efforts in promoting access, retention, and success in higher education. “Strategic projects include the implementation of language policy, development of African languages, student work readiness programs, and enhancing research capacity. The University Capacity Development Grant (UCDG) and VUT-funded projects aim to appoint language practitioners, develop glossaries, provide video recordings, translate teaching materials, and train mentors and tutors on translanguaging,” said Mr. Thamaga. He added that “these efforts are part of a broader initiative to transform VUT’s language landscape, ensuring inclusivity and accessibility in higher education.”
Additionally, the event featured a notable address by Dr. Sally Maepa, Gauteng Senior Provincial Manager at the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), who spoke on the significance of mother tongue languages in higher education. Dr. Maepa emphasised: “Mother tongue learning in higher education needs to become a key talking and doing point. It fosters linguistic awareness, cultural identity, and inclusivity. Multilingual language policies promote social inclusion and enhance accessibility, ensuring everyone can participate fully in education. Providing education in multiple languages supports academic success and economic opportunities, while preserving and developing indigenous languages for future generations. Protecting linguistic rights is fundamental, as enshrined in our Constitution, ensuring these languages are actively used in academia, governance, and public services. Inclusion of indigenous languages in institutional policies, creating multilingual spaces, and employing language practitioners are crucial steps towards a more inclusive and equitable society. Mother tongue higher education is about fostering academic excellence, social dignity, and South African prosperity.”
The workshop included an insightful training session delivered by Mr. Neo Sehlahla, the VUT ALDU Language Practitioner, aimed at equipping mentors with translanguaging skills they can use in their mentoring sessions. The event was filled with enthusiasm from the mentors who participated throughout the training. Dr. Jerry Madzimure, Student Success Practitioner and Mothosi Samosame, Learning Development Coordinator, were also present to give reflections on the workshop.
Mr. Thamaga closed off the session by thanking everyone in attendance and called on tutors and mentors to participate in research writing and conference presentations to enhance their skills.