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Fifty-five (55) University of Botswana (UB) students graduated with proficiency in various African languages during a ceremony held at the UB Library Auditorium on the 6th of September 2024. The graduates had specialised in Setswana, Ikalanga, Shekgalagari, Isizulu and Kiswahili, marking the University's commitment to promoting linguistic diversity.

In his welcome remarks at the 2nd Proficiency Languages Graduation Ceremony, Acting Deputy Vice Chancellor for Teaching and Learning, Professor Jaloni Pansiri, encouraged the graduates to respect and embrace cultural diversity, emphasising its role in promoting inclusivity in society.

He further challenged them to pursue advanced language studies to better connect with people from diverse backgrounds. He said that was in line with the Government’s Reset Agenda to introduce indigenous languages learning in schools.

UB's Proficiency Coordinator, Professor Budzani Mogara, highlighted the Department of African Languages and Literature's mandate to ensure the growth of proficiency language graduates. Professor Mogara underscored the importance of promoting cultural diversity, inclusivity and preserving African indigenous languages, cultures and practices.

She also shared plans for expanding the program by introducing additional local indigenous languages in the next intake, expressing her excitement about the increasing number of proficiency language instructors at UB. According to her, this initiative represents a significant milestone for both the university and the nation, contributing to a more inclusive and diversified economy.

Meanwhile, Dr. Moses Mengwe, Chief Education Officer Policy from the Ministry of Education, commended the graduates, describing them as a demonstration of the commitment toward democratising the curriculum through multi-language education.

He explained that the concepts of educational democratisation and multilingualism were interconnected, both aiming to promote inclusivity and equity within education systems. Dr. Mengwe also noted that fostering a knowledge-based economy could be achieved through such initiatives, highlighting the critical role of multilingualism in the country's educational future.