News / Regional
Prof Makhurane launches SeSotho books
06 Mar 2016 at 07:02hrs | Views
FORMER National University of Science and Technology Vice-Chancellor Professor Phineas Makhurane on Friday launched six novels written by different writers in SeSotho as efforts to promote learning and teaching of indigenous languages gather momentum.
Speaking at the launch in Gwanda which was facilitated by the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust (ENMT) and Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), Prof Makhurane encouraged more people to consider writing books in indigenous languages.
"I have a task to honour these SeSotho book writers for their good work. Long ago our grandparents used to tell folktales and it ended there but we are glad that these writers took a big step by putting the stories on paper. Now that these minor languages are officially endorsed in the constitution, I encourage many writers to take a stand and write books," said Prof Makhurane.
The director of the ENMT Mr Jackson Ndlovu appreciated the support of OSISA for funding the project.
"We greatly appreciate the sponsorship of OSISA and we appeal to all of you who have relatives out there who can sponsor us in writing SeSotho books to encourage them to come and support us. OSISA sponsored us with $14 000 in 2015 for the project," said Mr Ndlovu.
He said the books will be distributed to many schools in Matabeleland South Province.
"The books were meant to cover the requirements of primary schools teaching SeSotho," added Mr Ndlovu.
Acting Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director (PED) Mr Lackson Zanamwe acknowledged the good work done by the Edward Ndlovu Library and the novelists.
Speaking at the launch in Gwanda which was facilitated by the Edward Ndlovu Memorial Trust (ENMT) and Open Society Initiative for Southern Africa (OSISA), Prof Makhurane encouraged more people to consider writing books in indigenous languages.
"I have a task to honour these SeSotho book writers for their good work. Long ago our grandparents used to tell folktales and it ended there but we are glad that these writers took a big step by putting the stories on paper. Now that these minor languages are officially endorsed in the constitution, I encourage many writers to take a stand and write books," said Prof Makhurane.
The director of the ENMT Mr Jackson Ndlovu appreciated the support of OSISA for funding the project.
He said the books will be distributed to many schools in Matabeleland South Province.
"The books were meant to cover the requirements of primary schools teaching SeSotho," added Mr Ndlovu.
Acting Matabeleland South Provincial Education Director (PED) Mr Lackson Zanamwe acknowledged the good work done by the Edward Ndlovu Library and the novelists.
Source - sundaynews
