The North West Department of Education hosted the Provincial Dialoque on Promotion of Literacy and Multilingualism on the 03rd September 2024, at Klerksdorp- Library NERSAH Hall, in Dr Kenneth Kanda District.

The Department of Basic Education partners with the North West Department of Education and Key Organizations to promote literacy and Multilingualism under the theme: Embracing Multilingualism: Strengthening Unity and Cultural Diversity in South Africa.

The National Reading Collective is a joint initiative of the DBE. Reading Directorate, the NECT, Nalibali. Room to Read. A Better AfricaFoundation, Funda and SAPESI, as well as the City of Matlosana Library Services.

The Collective aims to further the promotion of Literacy and fostering a culture of reading across South Africa
The Dialoque is done as part of Literacy Month and is aimed at showcasing and highlighting the importance of reading in learners’ lives with a particular focus on mother tongue education and Multilingualism.

These nationwide campaigns are set to engage stakeholders on the promotion of mother tongue languages and the importance of Multilingualism in the classroom, home, and the broader community.

During the Dialoque session, it was highlighted that there is a dire need for the scope of building libraries to be expanded to all cities and towns in the North West.

It was also highlighted that the usage of languages should consider the virtually impared and the deaf community for easy access and incorporation in the African education.

Both Dr. Seshoka from North West University and Ms. Madiye Maselwa from DBE emphasised the importance of assisting learners to read at home, and the 8 importance of Translanguaging as Multilingualism will help the sector to foster social cohesion and nation building.

The District Director, Mr Benny Monale, Curriculum Director, Dr Mammen, Officials from ECD, Curriculum Management, and MEC Office supported the event.