EN - Educational (Strategic Plan) - Flipbook - Page 25
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UCT LAUNCHES FIRST SESOTHO
OPEN-ACCESS BOOK
Shining a spotlight on teenage pregnancy in South Africa, the story
emphasises the importance of strong family ties.
Dikeledi ha di wele fatshe (loosely
translated as ‘Tears do not fall in vain’)
was authored by Dr Rethabile PossaMogoera from the Department of African
Languages and Literatures. Published by
UCT Libraries, it is also available on the
open-access continental platform, which
means it’s accessible to readers outside
the campus community.
The book is aimed at high-school learners
and introduces the concept of teaching
and learning an indigenous language using
technology. It tells the story of a teenage
girl, Mamello, who becomes pregnant in
Grade 8; and the ensuing fracas between
her family and that of the baby’s father.
Ultimately, Mamello’s father supports her
pregnancy, which is social commentary
from Possa-Mogoera: “This book seeks to
change the status quo, where – in most
cases – mothers are always supporting
their pregnant daughters, while fathers
steer clear. In this case it’s different.”
Acknowledging the book’s relevance, the
national Department of Basic Education has
expressed an interest in including it on its
reading list.
“This new book is a contribution to the
restoration of the value of African culture
and languages, and is an important step
towards decolonising higher education,”
said UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor
Mamokgethi Phakeng. “This is good; not
only for Africans, but for the world.”
CLICK HERE TO
READ THE ARTICLE
This new book is a
contribution to the
restoration of the value
of African culture and
languages, and is an
important step towards
decolonising higher
education.
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