(AGENPARL) - Roma, 20 Febbraio 2026 - (AGENPARL) – Fri 20 February 2026 PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
20 February 2026
CUT celebrates International Mother Tongue and World Read Aloud Day
On 19 February 2026, the Central University of Technology, Free State’s (CUT) Language Development and Support Unit (LDSU), in collaboration with CUT FM, celebrated International Mother Tongue Day together with World Read Aloud Day as the two are celebrated annually in February.
Proclaimed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1999, commemoration of International Mother Tongue Day by the global community is a way to raise awareness on the importance of mother tongue use, cultural diversity and multilingualism.
This year marks the 26th anniversary of dedicated efforts to preserve linguistic diversity and promote the use of mother tongues. The aim of this year’s mother tongue celebration was to promote, encourage, strengthen the reading culture, as well as to improve cultural identity and preserve mother tongue pride.
In line with CUT’s multilingual language policy, LDSU invited six Grade 4 learners from Castle Bridge School (4) and Dr Viljoen Combined School (2), where learners took turns reading aloud in their mother tongue in the following languages: Sesotho, English and Afrikaans.
In his opening remarks, Dr Lehlohonolo Motake, Deputy Director: Language Development and Support Unit (LDSU) mentioned that the purpose of celebrating International Mother Tongue and World Read Aloud Day together is because literacy and language are deeply connected. “When children can read confidently — especially in the languages closest to their hearts — we strengthen education, cultural pride, and social inclusion” he said.
When asked why the unit put the two together, Dr Motake added that the core mandate of the unit is to promote multilingualism and develop indigenous languages while advancing literacy. “Bringing World Read Aloud Day and International Mother Tongue Day together was a natural and strategic decision. This integrated celebration allows us to highlight that literacy development is strongest when children learn in a language they understand well. It also affirms the value of African languages in education, media, and public life” he alluded.
According to the Progress in International Reading Literacy Study (PIRLS), more than 80% of South African Grade 4 pupils cannot read for meaning, hence LDSU targeted Grade 4 learners as a way of addressing such ongoing challenges through a community engagement initiative. Therefore, Grade 4 is a very critical stage in a child’s academic journey. It is often the year when learners transition from “learning to read” to “reading to learn.”
The use and influence of platforms such as CUT FM on days such as International Mother Tongue Day reflects that it reaches every corner, from townships, where printed books may be scarce and internet connectivity is limited.
As the world becomes increasingly interconnected, this celebration serves as a reminder that every language is important and has a place in the airwaves.
Captions:
1. CUT Language Development and Support Unit (LDSU) Staff, CUT FM Yellow Morning Presenters, Castle Bridge and Dr Viljoen Combined School educators and learners during the International Mother Tongue and World Read Aloud Day Celebration.
2. From left: Molemo Nkala (Grade 4 learner – Dr Viljoen Combined School), Khalalelo Mokiba (Grade 4 learner – Dr Viljoen Combined School), Likuwe Bhushula, Reneiloe Setilo, Tshenolo Kale, and Tshegofatso Thateng (Grade 4 learners – Castle Bridge School).
More about CUT
CUT is the foremost higher education institution in the heartland of South Africa, dedicated to quality education and training in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. CUT boasts pockets of excellence, including a premier hotel school and leading research and innovation platforms, i.e., world-class 3D printing technology through medical product development.
For more information about CUT visit www.cut.ac.za
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