Xhosa course attracts international, philosophy students

No fewer than half of the 42 UCT students completing a course in Xhosa communication skills this semester were international students.

Students from the Department of Philosophy were also well represented among those who received certificates for completing the course on 2 October 2014. These students at the same time engaged in a pilot course on Xhosa ethics focusing on ubuntu, a philosophy that works from the premise that "I am because we are".

Associate Professor Mbulungeni Madiba, the co-ordinator of the Multilingual Education Project and deputy dean of the Centre for Higher Education Development (CHED), was on hand to present students with their certificates. He encouraged students to learn more languages and to equip themselves with intercultural communication competences.

The course is offered each year – with participants learning conversation basics like greeting and making personal introductions. For more information or to register for the Masithethe isiXhosa course, go to www.mep.uct.ac.za.