Afrikadagviering | Africa Day Celebration

Taalmonument: free admission for all on Africa Day
Music and celebration of interaction between Afrikaans and other African languages on the menu

To reaffirm the Afrika(ans) language’s African heritage, the Afrikaans Language Museum and Monument (ATM) will celebrate Africa Day Africa Day on Wednesday, 25 May 2022, by focussing on the mutual influences between African languages and Afrikaans. In light of previous successful celebrations, this year the monument offers free admission and music to all to attract as many visitors as possible. As this year’s official African Union theme for Africa Month is ‘The year of nutrition’ the ATM will place typical food recipes from all the African countries on its social media platforms.

According to Michael Jonas, director of the ATM, the monument aims 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 not only consider the monument as a beacon of hope for the development of Afrikaans, but for all African languages.”

At noon on the day, the African Union’s official anthem will be played and the official flag hoisted to kickstart the event. Thereafter a free guided tour of the monument will take place; it will focus on the language’s African roots and Afrikaans’s influence on other African languages. Between 1 and 2pm, the Marimba band will perform enchanting African songs.

Jonas suggests that families and friends make a wonderful day trip of it. “Bring a picnic (or order one in advance from the ATM Koffiehuis on 082 216 2510), and let the kids play in the playgrounds or enjoy the outdoor games. In addition, the views and natural surroundings are absolutely beautiful in autumn.”

For more information on all the other exciting events, concerts and courses at the Taalmonument, call 021 872 3441/863 0543, visit www.taalmonument.co.za or follow them on Facebook. The website also offers virtual tours of the monument and museum, information in six languages on the symbolism of the Taalmonument as well as many interesting articles on Afrikaans, multilingualism and the institution’s past, present and future. There are also many resources for school and research projects. THE LANGUAGE MONUMENT, LANGUAGE MUSEUM AND COFFEE SHOP ARE OPEN TO VISITORS. Annual permits are available at only R120 for individuals or R220 per family, which includes access to all Full Moon Picnics.