Rhodes University in Makhanda in the Eastern Cape has hosted a webinar to mark Africa month, with the aim of encouraging the intellectualisation of African languages.
The webinar focussed on IsiXhosa terminology development, media and other spheres.
As part of the celebrations under the theme: “The year of Arts, Culture and Heritage: In the year of Charlotte Maxeke”, the webinar highlighted the plight of the uneducated living in deep rural areas in light of coronavirus that has gripped the world.
Stakeholders stated medical issues as one of the main areas of concern. They called on government to pay more attention to people living in these areas when sharing crucial information about the pandemic.
Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) Acting CEO Xolisa Tshongolo says the government needs to share information around this virus in everyone’s home language.
Guests speaker and former SABC isiXhosa TV news anchor, Noxolo Grootboom, called on the young and old to preserve and remain proud of their mother tongue.
