The Eastern Cape Departments of Education, in collaboration with the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) and the Department of Sport, Recreation, Arts and Culture (DSRAC), will be celebrating the International Mother Language Day (IMLD) and the roll-out of Mother Tongue Based Bilingual Education (MTBBE) on February 21st, 2024, at the International Convention Centre (ICC) Buffalo City Metro, at 09:00 am.

The International Mother Language Day is observed every year by UNESCO's member states to promote linguistic and cultural diversity and multilingualism. Ministers, Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, Higher Education’s Blade Ndzimande and DSRAC’s Zizi Kodwa will form part of this year’s panel discussion under the theme “Multilingual education – a pillar of learning and intergenerational learning” which underscores the importance of inclusive education and the preservation of indigenous languages through the adoption and implementation of multilingual language policies and practices.

This is meant to create awareness of the vital role languages play in development and ensuring cultural diversity and intercultural dialogue.

Furthermore, this seeks to strengthen co-operation amongst the departments while ensuring the attainment of quality education for all societies. Details of the event are as follows:

Date: 21 February 2024
Venue: International Convention Centre (ICC), East London
Time: 09:00

Eastern Cape Department of Education Communications Directorate.
For enquiries, please contact the DoE Spokesperson, Malibongwe Mtima at 062 057 1591, DSRAC Spokesperson, Andile Nduna @ 071 411 4820 and PanSALB Spokesperson Ntombentle Huluhulu at 061 581 521