Celebrating International Mother Language Day and Indigenous languages

For media images and interview requests please contact:

Zikhona Jafta via email on mediaofficer@iziko.org.za

Iziko Museums of South Africa will be joining the global community in celebrating International Mother Language Day – recognizing the vital role of indigenous languages as a cornerstone of our cultural heritage. This year marks the 25th anniversary of International Mother Language Day, reinforcing the importance of linguistic diversity and multilingualism in promoting dignity, peace, and understanding. In South Africa, we observe this day under the theme: “The Importance of Preserving Indigenous Languages and Promoting Multilingual Education.” This theme highlights the need to safeguard mother tongues, preserve cultural heritage, and enhance the quality of education through multilingualism.

_{Learners in the Humanity exhibition, Iziko South African Museum, 2024. © Iziko Museums/Dean Saville}

To commemorate this special occasion, Iziko Museums of South Africa has partnered with Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), the Western Cape Government, Western Cape Language Committee, Centre for Higher Education Development, International Decade of Indigenous Languages, University of Cape Town, Cape Peninsula University of Technology, and Afrikaans 100 to present an exciting lineup of events from 21 – 22 February 2025.

DAY 1: Celebrating Afrikaans100:

On Friday, 21 February at the Iziko Slave Lodge, Iziko Museums, in collaboration with Afrikaans100, will explore the origins, history, and development of Afrikaans, celebrating its official recognition as a language 100 years ago. The event will feature captivating performances by Tee and Alive in Kaaps, along with other speakers sharing the rich narrative of Afrikaans.

_{Installation View, past exhibition: Afrikaans aan die praat, 2012. © Iziko Museums/ C. Beyer}

DAY 2: IsiXhosa spelling bee competition:

On 22 February at the Iziko South African Museum, Iziko Museums of South Africa and PanSALB will host an IsiXhosa Spelling Bee Competition for Grade 4 learners across the mother city. This exciting competition will showcase young learners’ linguistic talents, combining fun with educational activities to celebrate language diversity.