Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with the KwaZulu-Natal provincial Department for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, and PANSALB will host the International Mother Language Day Celebrations to promote cultural diversity and multilingualism. The celebrations will take place at Amangwe Village Sports Ground in KwaMbonambi, uMfolozi Municipality.
United Nations through UNESCO declared February 21 as International Mother Language Day to observe the struggle of Bengali language movement in Bangladesh that saw dozens of students being killed for demanding recognition of their mother tongue in 1952. The International Mother Language Day is used to create awareness and appreciation for cultural and linguistic diversity around the world. Worldwide, people identify themselves through their mother tongues. Mother language is the first language people use to communicate, to express their thoughts, their emotions and their ideas. The celebration aims to highlight the importance of indigenous languages and to inspire all South Africans, including those with special needs, to promote, preserve and protect all South African languages.
Prior to the main celebrations, Minister Nathi Mthethwa together with the MEC for Arts, Culture, Sport and Recreation, Ms Hlengiwe Mavimbela and the PANSALB acting CEO, Dr David Maahlamela will also donate books to Qalakabusha Correctional Center in Empangeni.
Members of the Media and the public are invited as follows:
1. Book donations
Date: Friday, 21 February 2020
Time: 08h00
Venue: Qalakabusha Correctional Center, Empangeni in Richards Bay
2. International Mother Language Day Celebration
Date: Friday, 21 February 2020
Time: 09h30
Venue: Amangwe Village Sports Ground in KwaMbonambi, uMfolozi Municipality (King Cetshwayo District Municipality)
NB: Transport is available on 21 February 2020 – departing from Durban Playhouse at 07h00.
For RSVP and further information, please contact: Ms Phathisa Mfuyo 073 129 3378/083 798 4525, email: thisamfuyo@gmail.com or Madimetja Moleba, cell: 066 301 4675, email: madimetjam@dac.gov.za
Media enquiries: contact, Zimasa Velaphi at 072 172 8925 / zimasav@dac.gov.za ; or Minister’s spokesperson, Asanda Magaqa at 072 372 6807 / asandaM@dac.gov.za
