Embracing SiSwati: Imisebe Celebrates World Mother Tongue Day
In a vibrant celebration of culture and language, Imisebe Publishing Company recently hosted a commemoration of World Mother Tongue Day at the Eswatini Water Services Corporation auditorium in Nhlangano. The event, graced by esteemed guests including the Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture (ENCAC), Stanley Dlamini, highlighted the importance of embracing and preserving the SiSwati language.
Stanley Dlamini, in his address, emphasized the profound significance of celebrating Mother Tongue Day as a means of strengthening and protecting culture. He commended Imisebe’s initiative to promote SiSwati, recognizing it as a commendable effort in preserving the nation’s identity and heritage.
“As a Council, we commend Imisebe’s initiative and encourage national support for such endeavors,” expressed Dlamini. “Our languages and cultures define us as a nation, and it is crucial to take pride in our heritage.”
Acknowledging the strides made by the government in promoting SiSwati language and culture, Dlamini highlighted the need for Emaswati to proudly embrace their mother tongue. He emphasized that fluency in English does not detract from one’s Swazi identity, urging all to uphold SiSwati with reverence.
Imisebe Publishing Company’s Managing Director, Hlobisile Stromvig, echoed these sentiments, stressing that SiSwati should not be considered inferior to English in Eswatini, as both are official languages. Stromvig emphasized the duty of Emaswati to promote their mother tongue, highlighting its importance in preserving cultural richness.
“Our language is our treasure,” affirmed Stromvig. “It should be spoken and written with pride, not just in schools but in all facets of life.”
During the event, a symposium involving pupils from four schools was held, focusing on ways ministries such as education, justice, ICT, agriculture, and others could promote SiSwati within their departments. Stromvig emphasized the importance of all ministries playing a role in the promotion and preservation of the language.
“We are not advocating for the discouragement of English in schools, as it is an international language,” clarified Stromvig. “However, we want SiSwati to be recognized and valued as equally important.”
Dr. Sarah Mkhonza’s address, delivered during the event, emphasized the imperative of embracing SiSwati for Eswatini’s holistic development. Dr. Mkhonza’s insights can be explored further in her speech here.
The celebration also saw the presence of dignitaries such as the Shiselweni Regional Education Officer (REO), Siboniso Gumbi, adding to the significance of the event.
Imisebe Publishing Company remains committed to championing SiSwati language and culture, ensuring that future generations embrace their heritage with pride. As #WorldMotherTongueDay is commemorated, Imisebe continues its mission to elevate SiSwati to its rightful place of honor and recognition in Eswatini and beyond.
Leave a Reply
Want to join the discussion?Feel free to contribute!