PanSALB to distribute 67 Dictionaries to various schools in the country

In taking action to inspire change through language matters, the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) will on 18 July 2016 distribute 67 indigenous dictionaries to various schools in the country.

This is in response to the commemoration of the Nelson Mandela international Day aimed at honouring his legacy, values and dedication to the service of humanity, the promotion and protection of human rights, reconciliation, gender equality and the rights of children and other vulnerable groups.

The Nelson Mandela International Day was in 2009 declared official by the UN General Assembly to recognize the former South African president’s contribution to the culture of peace and freedom. This is recognized annually, not only in South Africa but across the globe, where people yearly join hands and contribute their humanity

Under the theme “Education and Literacy” the distribution of indigenous dictionaries to schools is amongst others not aimed at only paying homage to the noble work and selfless sacrifices under his astute tutelage and advice, but also to allow an important provision of education and literacy at South African schools.

Most importantly, the distribution of indigenous dictionaries is aimed at promoting, preserving and protecting multilingualism in the country

“In recognizing the contribution of the former human rights lawyer, an international peacemaker and a prisoner of conscience, it is important to honour his legacy through a small step towards a continuous global movement for good”, said the chief executive officer of PanSALB, Dr Rakwena Reginald Mpho Monareng. 

“We are going to identify schools within our provinces where this indigenous dictionaries are going to be distributed to ensure that we instill the culture of learning that is encouraged by the importance of our indigenous languages”, added Dr Rakwena Reginald Mpho Monareng

“As the Pan South African Language Board, we are still of the view that language form the fundamental basis of who we are. Therefore, it is important that we do no shy away from this important human rights, but apply all the resources we all have to enable its development from the foundation phases of our educational system, particularly at schools” added the chief executive officer.