Table tennis rulebook now available in isiXhosa

On Tuesday, 10 June 2025, the Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport, Ricardo Mackenzie launched and handed over copies of the first translated isiXhosa Table Tennis rules booklet to representatives of the Western Cape Table Tennis Federation.  

To date, the DCAS has translated and launched six rule booklets for various sporting codes that include Chess, Cricket, Netball, Boxing, Cycling and now Table Tennis.  

This rule book has been translated through DCAS’s Language unit, in consultation with various expert stakeholders in terminology development to ensure the translations are accurate. The development of these translated books ensures the promotion of multilingualism in the sport environment.

Opening the launch, Chief Director for Sport and Recreation, Lyndon Bouah, emphasized the need for terminology to be developed in order for sporting codes to be fully accessible. The Chief Director: Cultural Affairs, Carol van Wyk, also spoke about the importance of language in breaking down barriers: “This is more than a resource – this is a platform for new voices and experts to emerge. We must ask ourselves, who is excluded and what can we do to change that? Language is a powerful tool in challenging exclusion.” she said.

Minister Mackenzie said: “We must continue to champion and celebrate linguistic justice. By making the rules of the game available in isiXhosa, we are not just translating words but we are giving a fair opportunity to all to participate.”

DCAS will continue with the important work of making the rules of sporting codes accessible to isiXhosa speakers.