The Indigenous Languages Action Forum (ILAF) is excited to announce changes in our steering committee. Prof. Monwabisi Ralarala, former ILAF chairperson, will now serve as ILAF’s first patron as from 23 April. He is also the dean of the Arts & Humanities at the University of the Western Cape and chair of the South African Languages Practitioners Council. ILAF could not be prouder of our new patron and we value his willingness to continue supporting ILAF.
New Patron of Indigenous Languages Action Forum
Professor Monwabisi Raralarala
Professor Monwabisi Ralarala: ILAF Patron, Dean of Arts & Humanities at the University of the Western Cape, Chairperson of the South African Language Practitioners Council.
ILAF also welcomes our new chair, Dr Zakeera Docrat. She hails from the Eastern Cape and has an affiliation with the University of the Western Cape. Dr Docrat is a staunch advocate of language equality. She believes the indigenous languages must receive the same respect accorded to English; also that the use of the indigenous languages must be promoted in all sectors as a prerequisite for an inclusive and democratic society. ILAF will soon present a webinar to talk about Dr Docrat’s linguistic journey and how isiXhosa forms part of her identity. Follow ILAF on social media for alerts about this.
New Chair of Indigenous Languages Action Forum
Dr Zakeera Docrat
Dr Zakeera Doctrat, former Vice Chair and new Chair of Indigenous Languages Action Forum
ILAF’s new vice-chair is Mr Abram Mashatole from Polokwane, Limpopo. Mr Mashotole is a lecturer at the University of Limpopo, where he champions multilingual degrees. Mr. Mashatole has been a member of the ILAF Steering Committee since its inception and will now continue his work as vice-chair.
The new chair and vice-chair are a perfect fit as they are both younger than 35, just like the majority of ILAF followers and platform users. When the youth are committed, the future is assured.
New Vice Chair: Mr. Abram Mashatole
Mr. Abram Mashatole: ILAF Vice Chair, Multilingualism Degree expert and Lecturer at the University of Limpopo.
