The event combined a celebration of literature with a Short Story Competition, promoting creative expression and cultural pride. It was rooted in the UMP Language Policy Implementation Plan.
Celebration of Language and Culture.
Aligned with the UN’s International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022 – 2032), the festival echoed global efforts to preserve Indigenous languages. It honoured the UN Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples and celebrated cultural dignity, storytelling, and linguistic equity.
The event promoted creative expression, language and cultural pride.
Festival Highlights
The day featured author dialogues, a book exhibition at the Thoko Mayekiso Library and Information Services, student performances, and award ceremonies.
Poems, musical pieces, and plays expressed students’ engagement with Indigenous knowledge and community identity, underscoring the transformative role of language in society..
Short Story Competition
The competition invited stories in Siswati, isiNdebele, and English focused on identity, belonging, and intergenerational knowledge.
Winners received awards funded by the UMP Language Implementation Plan, reflecting institutional support for student-led creativity.
The best entries will be published and displayed at the Thoko Mayekiso Library and Information Services to inspire future storytellers..
The top three winners in IsiNdebele, English and SiSwati.
Institutional Commitment
The festival reaffirmed UMP’s dedication to integrating multilingualism into its teaching, research, and community engagement.
The Language Implementation Plan Task Team, comprising academic and administrative leaders, ensured the festival’s alignment with the university’s strategic goals for linguistic inclusivity.
Collaboration and Leadership
Led by Dr Bhuda under the Engagement goal of the Language Policy Implementation Plan, the event received support from the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor for Teaching and Learning.
Collaboration with library staff highlighted UMP’s institutional commitment to promoting multilingualism and cultural creativity through sustainable educational initiatives.
Story and pictures supplied. Copyright © UMP