Khilobedu ‘ready’ for official status
THE language of the Balobedu, Khilobedu, is edging closer to being the country’s 12th official language.
Mathole Motshekga, heritage activist and ANC MP, told Sowetan it was only a matter of months before the campaign for recognition of the language bears fruit.
“The matter is [currently] before the constitutional review committee of parliament. It’s one of the matters that have been prioritised. So, we hope in the next term, starting in October, it would be dealt with and finalised,” he said, speaking in his personal capacity. “The final step would be a report to parliament, for parliament to decide.”
The Balobedu, a community in Limpopo, have campaigned since the dawn of democracy for their language to be recognised. It is estimated that there are 1.2 million Balobedu in the country. Archbishop Prince Madlakadlaka wrote to the Constitutional Court in June 1996 saying: “I humbly request that Khilobedu become the 12th official language in the new constitutional text.”
Motshekga, a well-known Khilobedu speaker, said it was common cause that the government was now in favour of approving the language. “But it’s final recognition has got to come from parliament because [the process] includes amendment of the constitution.”
In March this year, President Jacob Zuma proclaimed the recognition of queenship of Balobedu. This restored the Modjadji queenship, which the apartheid regime nullified in 1972. Masalanabo Modjadji, II, heir to the throne, will be installed when she turns 18.
Motshekga said it was critical Khilobedu becomes official. “It’s very important because the Balobedu are a nation with a queen and have the same status as the Zulu nation, the Bapedi nation, the Venda nation, etc.
“Khilobedu, like the queenship of Balobedu, was suppressed by apartheid. It’s important that the democratic government affirms the national identity of Balobedu and their national language.”
Balobedu children are taught Pedi in school, but speak their mother tongue. “But the two languages are substantially different. The vocabulary is different. The result is that Balobedu kids don’t fare well in Sepedi. That affects their access to higher education. That actually conflicts with the constitution.”
Motshekga is adamant Khilobedu is ready to be an official language. “The people speak it. It was written.”
He said some Khilobedu manuscripts written hundreds of years ago are currently being edited.