Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Sports Emporium at the University of Eswatini became a centre of linguistic advocacy as the Eswatini National Commission for UNESCO, in collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Training, led the commemoration of International Mother Language Day under the theme “Youth Perspectives on Multilingual Learning” on February 23, 2026.
The event brought together academics, policymakers and students in a renewed national commitment to position mother tongue education at the heart of the Swati classroom.
Vice Chancellor Justice Thwala framed siSwati not merely as a cultural symbol, but as a cognitive foundation for academic success. He stressed that receiving instruction in one’s primary language enables deeper understanding and strengthens learners’ ability to apply knowledge to real life situations. When students learn in the language they speak at home, he said, the overall quality of education improves and national development is strengthened.
A notable highlight of this year’s commemoration was the strong emphasis on Eswatini Sign Language. Both Justice Thwala and Lwandle Simelane, Secretary General of the Commission, underscored that inclusive education cannot be achieved without formally recognising Sign Language as a primary language. Integrating both siSwati and Eswatini Sign Language into academic and digital platforms, they noted, is essential to removing barriers that have historically excluded some learners.
Simelane further linked language development to global sustainable development goals, warning that failure to modernise and technicalise indigenous languages in the era of Artificial Intelligence risks marginalising the nation in the digital economy. She cautioned that without deliberate action, the country could become “mere spectators” in digital spaces dominated by foreign languages.
The event concluded with a call to action directed at the Ministry and its partners, including Macmillan and Imisebe, to address the shortage of multilingual teaching materials and trained educators. Stakeholders emphasised the need to translate policy commitments into practical classroom implementation, ensuring that multilingual education moves beyond aspiration to measurable impact.
