To reaffirm the Afrikaans language’s African heritage, the Afrikaans Taalmonument (ATM) will celebrate Africa Day, by focusing on the mutual influences between African languages and Afrikaans, on Saturday May 25.
Entry will once again be free to all Africans (except South Africans) who arrive with a valid passport from any other African country on this day.
According to Michael Jonas, director of the ATM, the monument wants to
make people aware of Afrikaans as an African language, the language’s African roots (combined with its European and Eastern heritage), as well as the diversity of the Afrikaans-speaking community.
“We also want to reach out to our fellow Africans, and therefore we thought it a good idea to offer them free access to the Taalmonument.
“We not only consider the monument as a beacon of hope for the development of Afrikaans, but for all African languages,” he says.
At noon on the day, a free guided tour of the monument will take place, focusing on the language’s African roots and Afrikaans’s influence on other African languages.
Between 1pm and 2pm, the Imbhewu Marimba band and Voce Armoniche choir will perform enchanting African songs, and the African Union’s official anthem will be played and the flag will be hoisted as ceremonial feature of the day.
Visitors can take a picnic (or support the restaurant), and children can enjoy the playgrounds and outdoor games.
Entry to the Taal- monument is R40 for adults, R10 for South African pupils, students and pensioners, R5 for children under 18, and free for children under six years, and free for Drakenstein residents with valid library cards.
Audio guides are available in Afrikaans, English, Xhosa, French, German and Dutch. For more information on activities, visit www.taalmonument.co.za
