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In a vibrant celebration of culture and learning, the Eastern Cape Department of Education hosted the Indigenous Language Festival Provincial Eliminations at the Mandla Makupula Education Leadership Institute in East London.
This event is more than a contest, it’s a mission to preserve indigenous languages, promote learner identity, and strengthen pride in isiXhosa and Sesotho.
What the Festival Aims to Achieve
The Indigenous Language Festival empowers learners to embrace isiXhosa and Sesotho through reading, writing, and spelling.
It also serves a bigger purpose. The festival is part of the department’s strategic effort to fight poor literacy levels and encourage learners to take pride in their language and culture.
3 Key Takeaways
- Learner Empowerment: Learners grow their skills in reading, writing, and spelling in their home languages.
- Creative Writing in Focus: Grade 7 learners kicked off the event with a creative writing test in isiXhosa and Sesotho.
- Literacy with Identity: The festival strengthens both language development and cultural identity.
From Classroom to Provincial Stage
The festival is rooted in the Department’s goal to improve literacy while reinforcing cultural heritage.
Grade 7 learners from across the province first competed at school level. They then moved on to district rounds, and the top performers advanced to the provincial eliminations.
These young learners arrived in East London representing not just their schools—but their communities and languages.
Two Days of Celebration and Competition
The Provincial Eliminations took place over two days at the Mandla Makupula Education Leadership Institute.
Day 1: Creative Writing
Grade 7 learners completed a creative writing test, showing how well they could express ideas in isiXhosa and Sesotho.
Day 2: Spelling, Relays, and Reviews
Younger learners joined in:
- Grade 3s took part in a Spelling Bee.
- Grades 4–6 competed in a Word Relay.
- Grade 7s returned for a Book Review activity.
Each event was designed not just to test knowledge but to build confidence and creativity in using indigenous languages.
A Celebration with Lasting Impact
Educators and community members praised the festival for blending cultural pride with academic growth.
Teachers noted how the competition motivates learners to excel in their home languages. Community members also expressed strong support, noting its value in keeping indigenous languages alive.
The initiative continues to inspire, showing that language is more than just a subject it’s a powerful link to identity, culture, and future success.
