Online Reporter
Mthabisi Tshuma, [email protected]
MINDA High School in Matobo District, Matabeleland South, is preparing to host this year’s provincial commemorations of International Mother Language Day, as efforts intensify to promote linguistic diversity and multilingual education.
International Mother Language Day is observed annually on February 21, to celebrate cultural diversity and encourage the preservation and use of indigenous languages. The Matabeleland South provincial event will, however, be held on February 27.
Proclaimed by Unesco in 1999 and first celebrated in 2000, the day underscores the importance of mother tongue-based education in improving learning outcomes, literacy and safeguarding cultural heritage.
This year’s theme, “Youth voices on multilingual education”, highlights the critical role young people play in defending, revitalising and using their languages to promote inclusion and sustainable development.
Matabeleland South National Arts Council of Zimbabwe (NACZ) provincial manager Percy Vela said the commemorations will centre on learners delivering speeches in their mother languages.
“We’re preparing for the day. Learners will be given the theme to start working on their speeches. Language signifies a sense of identity, which is racial and ethnic, making it a very sensitive issue to our learners and giving them a sense of belonging to a certain community,” Vela said.
He said the decision to host the event in Matobo was influenced by the district’s role as venue for the 2026 national Independence Day celebrations.
“Over the years, we’ve celebrated this day with institutions in Gwanda. This year, we’re taking the commemoration to Matobo District, the host for the 2026 Independence celebrations.” —@mthabisi_mthire
