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International Mother Language Day highlights the importance of multilingualism.
Opinion and features
Multilingualism breaks down language barriers
23 February 2026
- International Mother Language Day was celebrated on 21 February.
- Mother-tongue instruction is important for learner success.
- Multilingualism must be promoted in all spheres of society.
Mother-tongue instruction and learner success, investment in African languages, the voices of young people in multilingual education, and English dominating the legal system in South Africa. These are the topics that experts at Stellenbosch University discussed in opinion pieces for the media in celebration of International Mother Language Day on 21 February. Click on the links below to read the articles as published.
- Ros Clayton (Unlocking learner success through mother-tongue instruction and investment in African languages – Weekend Argus)
- Dr Simthembile Xeketwana (Ulwimi lwenkobe: That is the language every South African youth should speak – Cape Times)
- McNiel Zimri (English language still blocks access to justice for many – Cape Argus)