"Masithethe isiXhosa" graduation ceremony

More than 100 jovial UCT students received their certificates this week after completing the first Masithethe isiXhosa course offered in 2015 by the Multilingualism Education Project in the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED). Of those who registered, 26 were Philosophy students, 25 Psychology, 12 Human Nutrition and 18 international students of different races.

The certificates were handed out, amid shrieks of delight and enthusiastic clapping, by the Dean of CHED, A/Prof Suellen Shay, and the acting Co-ordinator of MEP, Nolubabalo Tyam . In congratulating students, A/Prof Shay acknowledged the significant challenge, especially for adults, of learning a new language. In so doing they were equipping themselves with the necessary skills to succeed in serving a multilingual and multicultural society. She thanked the departments at UCT that participated in this initiative, and noted it was particularly significant this year within the context the issues to do with transformation.

112 of the 125 students who registered for the isiXhosa communication skills course this semester successfully completed it. The course, offered at Beginner and Intermediate levels and which aims to develop conversational competence in Xhosa among UCT staff and students, will be offered again in the second semester. Participant in these courses learn basic, everyday communication such as greetings, introductions and offering personal information. Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate of completion or attendance.