Inaugural Xhosa Colloquium held in the Western Cape

On 10 October 2015, the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport (DCAS) Language Services Unit hosted the inaugural Xhosa Colloquium at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology (CPUT) in Bellville. The aim of the colloquium was to review the progress and assess the hindrances to the use of isiXhosa as a language of business in the Western Cape.

This academic seminar included informative presentations by Professor Monwabisi Ralarala from CPUT, Zimkitha Jikwana from Umhlobo Wenene FM, Unathi Kondile from Isolezwe Newspaper, Ntombizondwa Dlayedwa from the University of the Western Cape and Medical Practitioner Dr Bikitsha.

In her opening address Jane Moleleki, Director or Arts, Culture and Language Services at DCAS, emphasised the importance of the development of Xhosa as one of the Western Cape’s three official languages. “We need to ensure that we elevate isiXhosa to the level where the other two official languages of the province are,” said Moleleki.

Language is an important part of our identity. DCAS supports language development and equal status for the three official languages of the Western Cape, Better Together.