Unisa, through its Directorate of Language Services (DLS), recently demonstrated its dedication to inclusive teaching and learning. On 25 June 2026, the inspiring Multilingual Pedagogies Symposium: Innovations in Teaching, Learning and Research took place at the Protea Function Hall on the Unisa Muckleneuk Campus.

The symposium, themed Reimagining Education Through Multilingual Pedagogies: Advancing Inclusive Teaching, Learning and Research, brought together educators and researchers to explore how translanguaging pedagogy can enhance students' learning experience. It was a wonderful opportunity to showcase Unisa's leadership in multilingual higher education and to demonstrate the institution's commitment to fostering an inclusive and diverse academic environment.

Opening the symposium, the Executive Director of the Department of Tuition Support and Facilitation of Learning, Prof Meahabo Magano, reaffirmed Unisa's commitment to implementing the institutional Multilingual Language Policy through translanguaging pedagogy. The event reflected the university's vision of creating an inclusive learning environment where students' linguistic diversity is recognised as a valuable academic resource rather than a barrier to learning.

One of the highlights of the day was the College Champion Showcase, during which academics from various colleges demonstrated innovative multilingual teaching practices that are already improving student engagement and conceptual understanding. The presentations by Razia Mahomed, Prof Nontobeko Khumalo, and Molise Mochekoane illustrated how integrating students' home languages alongside English facilitates more profound learning and contributes to improved academic performance.

Translanguaging College Champions received recognition for their contribution to advancing multilingual teaching and learning at Unisa

Student representatives Kabelo Benedict Mokoena and Makhazase Alzinah Morapedi also shared personal reflections on their multilingual learning experiences, describing how translanguaging has enhanced their confidence, participation and understanding of complex concepts in their respective disciplines.

The symposium further benefited from presentations by distinguished local and international experts. Dr Naledi Mbude-Mehana, representative from the Department of Basic Education, emphasised the importance of multilingualism in strengthening education across South Africa. An international evaluator, Dr Clyde Ancarno from King's College London, reflected on Unisa's innovative approaches and their potential contribution to the broader higher education sector. The keynote address by Prof Ofelia García, an internationally acclaimed translanguaging scholar, challenged participants to continue advancing equitable and linguistically inclusive education globally.

Throughout the symposium, presenters highlighted growing evidence that multilingual pedagogies improve students’ comprehension, boost participation and contribute to better academic outcomes. Discussions also emphasised that recognising students' linguistic identities is central to creating a more inclusive university environment and achieving long-term student success.

The symposium also celebrated the commitment of Unisa's Translanguaging College Champions, who continue to drive multilingual innovation within their colleges. Certificates and awards were presented in recognition of their contributions, acknowledging the important role they play in implementing the university's multilingual agenda. Participants were encouraged to continue serving as ambassadors for inclusive teaching and learning across the institution.

In his reflections, the Director of DLS, Dr Rakwena Monareng, highlighted that Unisa is leading the way in adopting translanguaging as a transformative pedagogy. He noted encouraging improvements in student performance where multilingual approaches have been implemented. Monareng emphasised the importance of sustaining institutional support to ensure the successful implementation of multilingual pedagogies across all colleges.

The symposium concluded with a renewed commitment to strengthening multilingual teaching, learning and research across the university. As Unisa continues to implement its Multilingual Language Policy, the event marked another significant milestone in positioning the institution as a leading African university that values linguistic diversity, promotes educational equity and advances student success through multilingual pedagogies.

* By Melusi Mnikathi, Language Practitioner, Directorate of Language Services