"Language is a process of free creation; its laws and principles are fixed, but the manner in which the principles of generation are used is free and infinitely varied. Even the interpretation and use of words involves a process of free creation."
These words by Noam Chomsky encapsulate the core of SADiLaR’s mission - harnessing the creative potential of language and technology to shape the future of South Africa’s indigenous languages.
The South African Centre for Digital Language Resources (SADiLaR) celebrated a milestone in this journey with the official opening of its new building at North-West University’s (NWU’s) Potchefstroom Campus on 22 November 2024. This event marked a significant step towards realising the vision of ensuring a digital future for all official languages in South Africa.
SADiLaR plays a pivotal role in the advancement and preservation of South Africa's under-resourced indigenous languages. Many of these languages lack the digital representation and scholarship necessary to thrive in the modern world. By enabling language-related research and localised technology development, SADiLaR creates a digital footprint for these languages, which is essential for their survival in the 21st century.
"Ensuring a digital future for all official languages in South Africa is SADiLaR’s key objective," Prof Langa Khumalo, SADiLaR's executive director, emphasised during the opening.
“This mission to bridge the digital divide and provide equal opportunities for all languages to flourish in the digital age is central to SADiLaR’s operations. The centre’s new building reflects this commitment, offering a physical space for innovation, research, and collaboration.”
A symbol of commitment to South Africa's languages
The SADiLaR building is more than just a new facility. It is a concrete manifestation of the NWU’s support for SADiLaR’s mandate to promote and develop digital resources for South Africa’s official languages. The building symbolises the strategic importance of SADiLaR in growing the national science and technology landscape, with a particular focus on languages. It serves as a hub for research that will ensure a sustainable and inclusive digital future for all official languages of South Africa.
During the event, Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU principal and vice-chancellor, delivered a powerful opening address. He noted that the establishment of SADiLaR’s new home aligns with the university’s broader goals of being a vibrant, inclusive, and research-driven institution committed to social justice and community impact. He stressed that the centre's focus on digital humanities and its mission to democratise access to digital language resources embody the core values of academic excellence, relevance, and innovation.
Launch of the Five-Year Strategic Plan
One of the highlights of the event was the launch of SADiLaR’s Five-Year Strategic Plan (2024-2029), which outlines the centre's key objectives and priorities for the coming years. The plan was officially unveiled by Prof Mogomme Masoga, the chairperson of SADiLaR’s steering committee. In his address, he highlighted the importance of collaboration and teamwork in achieving the centre’s ambitious goals.
“Without the key team members, none of this would be possible,” he said, reinforcing the collective effort required to shape a participatory and transformative digital future for South Africa’s languages.
The launch of SADiLaR’s history book
In addition to the strategic plan, the event saw the launch of a special publication documenting SADiLaR’s eight-year history. This book not only celebrates the achievements of the centre but also serves as a permanent record of its founding vision. By grounding the future in its past, SADiLaR ensures that its journey of growth and innovation is preserved and shared as an inspiration for future generations.
A tribute to SADiLaR’s founding directors
The unveiling of portraits of SADiLaR's founding director, Prof Justus C Roux, and his immediate successor, Prof Attie de Lange, was another key moment of the event. These portraits now grace the walls of the new building’s board room, serving as a tribute to the individuals who helped lay the foundation for the centre’s success. The unveiling ceremony was led by Clement Manoko, executive director for corporate relations and marketing, who did an exceptional job guiding the proceedings.
In his speech, Prof Tyobeka described the new building as more than just a structure: “It is a space where innovation will thrive, languages will flourish, and future generations will find inspiration. This building is a symbol of possibility and progress," he said, highlighting the role of SADiLaR in fostering academic excellence and societal impact.
Prof Francesco Petruccione, director of the National Institute for Theoretical and Computational Sciences, also gave an insightful presentation, offering valuable perspectives on the intersection of language, technology and research. The launch event concluded with a heartfelt vote of thanks by Dr Karen Calteaux, who acknowledged the collective effort that made the opening event a reality.
Looking ahead
With the launch of its new building and strategic plan, SADiLaR is poised to grow from strength to strength. As SADiLaR’s steering committee chairperson, Prof Masoga aptly stated, “Let SADiLaR lead us and inspire us. This centre is now more equipped than ever to fulfil its mission of promoting a digital future for all South Africans, irrespective of their language background.”
With the launch of its new building and strategic plan, SADiLaR is poised to grow from strength to strength. The opening was accompanied by the launch of their history book and strategy for the next five years (2024 - 2029)
