In a significant event, Midlands State University (MSU) demonstrated its commitment to revitalising and preserving indigenous languages by hosting the second edition of the Language Indaba, a two-day conference held from 2–3 April 2025 at the Gweru Main Campus.
Under the theme “Mother Tongue Revitalisation and Preservation in the Digital Era,” the conference brought together language policymakers, researchers, academics, students, and government officials to share insights and strategies aimed at ensuring indigenous languages thrive in today’s digital landscape.
The MSU Maestro Music Band set the tone for discussions on preserving and revitalising the country’s diverse languages with performances of traditional mbira and ngoma pieces, evoking the vibrant spirit of Zimbabwe’s rich cultural heritage.
Dr B. Taringa, Executive Director of the Midlands State University National Language Institute (MSUNLI), emphasised the event’s significance as part of MSU’s 25th-anniversary celebrations.
“This year holds great importance for us as we celebrate the Language Indaba during Midlands State University’s Silver Jubilee. We should view this conference as MSUNLI’s contribution to commemorating 25 years of academic excellence,” stated Dr Taringa.
Indeed, the story of MSU’s legacy cannot be fully told without acknowledging MSUNLI’s critical role, including the translation of Zimbabwe’s Constitution into 16 officially recognised languages—ensuring no one is left behind in the national development agenda.
Dr. E. Mugari, Director of MSU’s Zvishavane Campus, welcomed participants on behalf of Vice-Chancellor Professor V. N. Muzvidziwa, highlighting the institution’s evolution as a leading research entity.
“As we celebrate our silver jubilee, this conference is a testament to the remarkable journey of Midlands State University in establishing itself as a premier research institution,” Dr Mugari noted.
In a compelling keynote address, ZIMCHE CEO Professor Zvimbo praised the conference as a crucial forum for discussing the revitalisation and preservation of the nation’s indigenous languages.
“This platform allows for dialogue and scholarly debate on the future of our indigenous languages, enabling culturally grounded solutions as we progress as a society,” remarked Professor Zvimbo, while congratulating MSU on its significant achievements.
“It is heartening to see Midlands State University ranked 18th in the Times Higher Education Index among 129 Sub-Saharan universities. This ranking highlights MSU’s impact both in Zimbabwe and across Africa,” he stated.
He extended his congratulations to Vice-Chancellor Professor Muzvidziwa for being named Outstanding Vice-Chancellor of the Year, acknowledging the university’s leadership in prioritising research.
The conference addressed vital issues, including best practices for digital language documentation and archiving, technology-enhanced language learning, the power of online language platforms and social media, strategies for language policy and advocacy in the digital sphere, and the role of artificial intelligence in language preservation.
Hailed as a premier language consultancy, MSUNLI remains committed to collaborating with other institutions in preserving Zimbabwe’s dynamic linguistic diversity to drive socio-economic development.