University of the Western Cape (UWC) alumnus Dr Xolisa Tshongolo has been appointed by the Minister of Sport, Arts, and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, to serve on the Council of Amazwi South African Museum of Literature.
Dr Tshongolo, currently the Eastern Cape Senior Provincial Manager of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), will serve on the Council for three years. The Council's mission is to collect, preserve and research South African literature and make it accessible to all. It aims to raise awareness about freedom of expression, artistic creativity, academic freedom, non-discrimination, and citizens' rights to basic and adult education.
Dr Tshongolo's appointment, supported by several nominations from individuals and groups in response to the Minister's call for nominations, underscores his extensive credentials. He holds a master's degree in linguistics and a PhD in language education.
Born and raised in Tsolo, an Eastern Cape town, Dr Tshongolo brings a wealth of expertise to this role. Before he was appointed PanSALB's Provincial Senior Manager, he served in various positions at UWC including junior lecturer or tutor in the linguistics department; research assistant, translator and transcriber at the Iilwimi Centrum; and, lab assistant at Tintana Computer Lab. He contributed to various organisations, including the Association for Educational Transformation as assistant site manager and learner development programme data capturer; at the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport heading the transversal language service unit; and, as a freelance language practitioner for the Project for Alternative Education in Southern Africa (PRAESA) at the University of Cape Town. He is also an isiXhosa analyst at Umhlobo Wenene FM.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr Tshongolo remarked: "As a linguist, author and researcher of the isiXhosa language, I believe it is my duty to serve on this Council to ensure African literature is properly promoted and preserved. This work must be grounded in high standards of research."
Dr Tshongolo, an accomplished author, highlighted the challenges of publishing books in South Africa, particularly in African and previously marginalised languages. "Even when a few fortunate books are published, they often remain inaccessible due to high prices. Many manuscripts are not safely preserved, leading to the loss of vital information," he explained.
He emphasised the importance of the Council's work, stating: "The Amazwi South African Museum of Literature plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. By preserving and promoting African literature, we can ensure our nation continues to develop culturally and intellectually."
Dr Tshongolo, currently the Eastern Cape Senior Provincial Manager of the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), will serve on the Council for three years. The Council's mission is to collect, preserve and research South African literature and make it accessible to all. It aims to raise awareness about freedom of expression, artistic creativity, academic freedom, non-discrimination, and citizens' rights to basic and adult education.
Dr Tshongolo's appointment, supported by several nominations from individuals and groups in response to the Minister's call for nominations, underscores his extensive credentials. He holds a master's degree in linguistics and a PhD in language education.
Born and raised in Tsolo, an Eastern Cape town, Dr Tshongolo brings a wealth of expertise to this role. Before he was appointed PanSALB's Provincial Senior Manager, he served in various positions at UWC including junior lecturer or tutor in the linguistics department; research assistant, translator and transcriber at the Iilwimi Centrum; and, lab assistant at Tintana Computer Lab. He contributed to various organisations, including the Association for Educational Transformation as assistant site manager and learner development programme data capturer; at the Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport heading the transversal language service unit; and, as a freelance language practitioner for the Project for Alternative Education in Southern Africa (PRAESA) at the University of Cape Town. He is also an isiXhosa analyst at Umhlobo Wenene FM.
Reflecting on his new role, Dr Tshongolo remarked: "As a linguist, author and researcher of the isiXhosa language, I believe it is my duty to serve on this Council to ensure African literature is properly promoted and preserved. This work must be grounded in high standards of research."
Dr Tshongolo, an accomplished author, highlighted the challenges of publishing books in South Africa, particularly in African and previously marginalised languages. "Even when a few fortunate books are published, they often remain inaccessible due to high prices. Many manuscripts are not safely preserved, leading to the loss of vital information," he explained.
He emphasised the importance of the Council's work, stating: "The Amazwi South African Museum of Literature plays a crucial role in addressing these challenges. By preserving and promoting African literature, we can ensure our nation continues to develop culturally and intellectually."
