Africa-Press – Eswatini. As the global community commemorates International Mother Language Day, Eswatini’s leading language advocacy organisation, Imisebe Publishing, is set to host a major celebration at the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Kwaluseni Campus.
The event, scheduled for Monday, 23 February 2026, marks more than a decade of the organisation’s commitment to promoting and preserving the Kingdom’s linguistic and cultural heritage.
Managing Director Hlob’sile Stromvig described the 2026 gathering as a moment of reflection and renewed purpose.
“The 2026 International Mother Language Day will be hosted at UNESWA Kwaluseni Campus. Imisebe reflects on its efforts to promote and preserve cultural heritage. For over a decade, we have been a leading advocate for the preservation of mother tongues, undertaking various initiatives to ensure that our native languages are safeguarded for present and future generations,” she said.
Over the years, Imisebe has produced high-quality educational materials in siSwati and spearheaded innovative projects aimed at strengthening language use among young people. Among its flagship initiatives is the pioneering digital siSwati spelling bee, Sibitelo Nemisebe, designed to promote literacy and encourage the use of indigenous language in the digital age.
The competition has crowned several notable champions, including Swazi National High School in 2023, Big Bend High School in 2024 and Siphocosini High School in 2025. In 2025, the contest expanded to include private schools, with Sifundzani High School emerging victorious.
Beyond digital literacy, the spelling bee also promotes the groundbreaking monolingual siSwati dictionary, Umphandza, introduced in 2022 by former Deputy Prime Minister Themba Masuku. While the first edition targeted high schools, Imisebe has since developed a version tailored specifically for primary schools.
“Our primary objective is to ensure that every liSwati possesses a copy of Umphandza. Furthermore, the exciting news regarding our publications is that they are now accessible in digital stores as eBooks,” Stromvig added.
Imisebe’s work extends beyond the classroom. The organisation has consistently partnered with the Eswatini National Council of Arts and Culture to stage the annual Miss Heritage event, helping to celebrate and elevate siSwati language and culture on a national platform.
As UNESWA prepares to host the commemoration, Imisebe reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding the country’s linguistic identity.
“We are dedicated to continuing to join Their Majesties and emaSwati in ensuring that our siSwati language is practised and preserved,” she said.
