Alberton-based, award-winning author Phuti Seboni continues to promote African languages beyond the literary stage, this time by donating books to a local school in celebration of International Mother Language Day.

Seboni recently joined fellow writers under the Ekurhuleni Authors initiative to donate books written in African languages to Sonqoba Primary School in Ramokonopi, Katlehong.

The visit formed part of activities marking International Mother Language Day, celebrated annually on February 21, with the aim of promoting linguistic and cultural diversity.

The donation focused on supporting and strengthening libraries across Ekurhuleni schools, ensuring learners have access to reading material written in their home languages.

“We were celebrating International Mother Language Day by donating books written in African languages. The purpose is to launch and support libraries around Ekurhuleni,” Seboni said.

Seboni, who writes in Sepedi, has been vocal about the importance of preserving indigenous languages through literature.

His award-winning children’s book Rakgolo Masob and his novel Lesogana la Mahlale are both written in Sepedi, reflecting his commitment to promoting cultural identity among young readers.

In addition to the school visit, Seboni was recently invited by the University of Johannesburg to participate in its International Mother Language Day celebration.

The hybrid event, hosted at UJ’s APK Campus Library Auditorium, focused on language education, intergenerational connection and the role of AI in preserving indigenous languages.

It brought together academics, language practitioners and authors to reflect on the significance of African languages in education and society.

The Ekurhuleni Authors initiative unites local writers and creates platforms that benefit communities through literacy development.

Seboni confirmed that plans are underway to officially launch the collective, which will include writers from across the region.

For Seboni, donating books is more than a symbolic gesture; it is about ensuring that children see themselves and their languages reflected in the stories they read.

“I want young people to be proud of their roots and embrace their mother tongue,” he said.