On March 17, 2025, the University of Cape Town (UCT) took a groundbreaking leap toward multilingualism and inclusivity, officially designating isiXhosa as one of its core languages alongside English and Afrikaans. As reported by TimesLIVE, this landmark decision, rooted in a revised language policy approved in December 2024, integrates African indigenous languages into teaching, learning, research, and communication. Launched on February 27, 2025, during International Mother Language Day, UCT’s move is a defiant stand against colonial linguistic dominance, amplifying cultural empowerment and educational equity. At PowerAfrika, we celebrate this as a beacon of African sovereignty—a call to action for a continent ready to speak its truth.
A Bold Vision for Transformation
UCT’s policy isn’t just a tweak—it’s a revolution. Vice-Chancellor Prof. Mosa Moshabela framed it as a cornerstone of Vision 2030, aiming to weave linguistic diversity into the university’s fabric. Undergraduates lacking proficiency in an indigenous language must now take isiXhosa communication courses, while PhD abstracts will soon require translation into marginalized tongues like Khoekhoegowab or N|uu. This isn’t window dressing—it’s a commitment to access to education, ensuring students thrive in languages they know best. Prof. Lolie Makhubu-Badenhorst, UCT’s multilingualism director, told TimesLIVE that foreign-only instruction alienates learners— isiXhosa breaks that barrier, fostering academic success.
The Science of Mother Tongue Magic
Evidence backs this shift. UNESCO studies and South African research, like that from the University of Johannesburg, show mother tongue education sharpens comprehension and retention. With 75% of South African students speaking an African language at home, yet facing an English-only pivot by Grade 4, UCT’s policy tackles a colonial exclusion crisis. Imagine a student in a rural Eastern Cape classroom, powered by a solar charger, learning in isiXhosa instead of stumbling through a foreign tongue—knowledge becomes a tool, not a burden. This is empowerment in action.
Tools to Amplify the Movement
UCT’s vision demands tools for self-reliance. With AiReelGenerator and Renderlion, students can craft videos in isiXhosa, preserving cultural heritage while mastering communication. Beyond the classroom, portable water pumps secure clean water for communities, and mosquito repellents shield learners from malaria—building resilience where it counts. Leadership fuels this change; the MBL Emotional Intelligence course equips educators to champion educational reform with clarity and compassion.
Facing the Challenges
This isn’t without pushback. Tailoring faculty plans and funding multilingual education strain resources, and skeptics may call it symbolic in a country with 11 official languages. Yet, UCT’s framework—translation services, research into indigenous pedagogies—proves it’s actionable. This is decolonization at its core, echoing Rwanda’s recent break from Belgium’s neo-colonial grip. It’s a blueprint for Africa to prioritize African identity over imposed legacies.
A Call to Reclaim Our Voice
UCT’s embrace of isiXhosa isn’t just policy—it’s a rebellion against centuries of silencing. It’s a step toward transformation, where learning reflects who we are. PowerAfrika stands with this—join us by signing the petition to rename Kotoka Airport, a symbol of reclaiming our past. Equip yourself with these tools and amplify Africa’s voice—because when we speak our languages, we shape our future.