The Eastern Cape Department of Education in Partnership with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture and Pan South African Language Board held a seminar on Mother Language Education programme at the International Conference Centre in East London.

One of the speakers who attended the seminar included Minister of Department of Basic Education, Angie Motshekga, ECDoE MEC, Fundile Gade, Deputy Speaker of Provincial Legislature, Mlibo Qoboshiyane, ECDoE Head of Department, Dr. Naledi Mbude and Pan South African Languages Executives Head Languages, Julius Dantile.

During the welcoming deviation by Dantile he described today's programme as to be more of practical approach for evaluation and implementation of mother language in the country as it will be more focused on ways to promote the mother language in the society."

Outlining the Mother Tongue Based - Bilingual Education programme of the 2010-2021, Dr Mbude said, "Everyone has the right to receive education in the official language of their choice on public educational institutions."

Dr. Mbude added that, "It is essential that the African languages acquire markert value in the short, medium to long term and it is clear that they will do so only if there is bold leadership from the front."

Introducing Minister Angie Motshekga, MEC,Fundile Gade said, "We were here yesterday and we are back here to practically try to lay a foundation on how to conceptualize and try to pave a foundation on the mother language Education using technology for multilingual learning challenges and opportunities to shape the citizens of this country."

Images: ANDISWA MZIZI