Caption:(left) Education MEC, Lindi Masina, with Dr Esther Mahlangu (Middle) representing the culture of amaNdebele
By Kopano Dibakwane
Lihiya,Xibelani, Nguba, Lebole, Ibeshu, Nwenda, Seanamarena, Kaross; these were some of the distinctive attire worn by various South African cultural groups that gathered to join the rest of the continent to celebrate Africa Day.
The Mpumalanga Department of Education,alongside stakeholders including traditional leaders, civil society, and community members, joined the rest of the continent in celebrating Africa Day under the theme: “Sixty-three (63) Years of Unity, Integration and Development, let’s celebrate together.”
According to the Department, emphasised the importance of Africa Day as it celebrates the rich heritage, cultural diversity and resilience of the African continent while reaffirming a collective responsibility to advance the aspirations of Agenda 2063.
“ As we commemorate Africa Day, we are reminded of the enduring vision of a united, prosperous and self-reliant Africa founded on the principles of solidarity, dignity and development,” said the Department.
According to the Department, the Mother Tongue Based Bilingual Education Roadshow, which is currently underway across the province, seeks to reaffirm its commitment to promoting indigenous African languages as instruments of learning, social cohesion and cultural preservation.
The Department added that language is more than a means of communication; it is the carrier of heritage, identity, knowledge systems and collective memory.
“ Through mother tongue education, we seek to improve learner comprehension, academic performance and self-confidence while restoring the dignity of African languages in our classrooms and communities.
“ We believe that empowering learners in their mother tongue lays a strong foundation for lifelong learning and contributes meaningfully towards the development of an Africa that is confident, innovative and globally competitive,” said the Department.
Africa Day is viewed as a reminder of the timeless African philosophy: “Umuntu ngumuntu ngabantu” “a person is a person through other people.”
The Department said the principle of Ubuntu calls upon everyone to embrace humanity, compassion, respect and unity in everything that we do or say.
“ Let us continue to work together to nurture a generation that is proud of its African identity, culture and languages, while promoting unity, Ubuntu and active citizenship for a better Africa,” said the Department.
