Afrikaans at 100: from kitchen talk to cultural powerhouse

This month marks 100 years since the Afrikaans language officially stood on its own feet, no longer just a “kitchen language”, but a voice that’s shaped from politics to poetry.

- KAYLYNNE BANTOM

Born from a melting pot of tongues and tempered by history, Afrikaans has weathered controversy, celebrated culture and carved out its place as one of South Africa’s most powerful linguistic identities.

On 8 May 1925 Afrikaans was recognised as an official language of South Africa.

Today it is one of the country’s 12 official languages.

Last week, various celebratory events took place around the country to mark the milestone.

On Thursday 8 May, People’s Post attended a langtafel event organised by Afrikaans Amptelik 100, an organisation spearheading the festivities, in the Bo-Kaap.

The day also marked the launch of a year-long celebration that marks the centenary of Afrikaans.

The launch took place at the Castle of Good Hope.

Throughout the year, Afrikaans Amptelik 100 will be marked by public events, exhibitions, school programmes and artistic performances across the province and country.