To
Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs
From
Maphai Masie & Thomas Notico
Subject
Request for the recognition of Khelobedu as an official language
Date
21 October 2022 2:37 p.m.
Dear Portfolio Committee on Cooperative Governance and Traditional Affairs,
Khelobedu is a language from Tzaneen, Limpopo spoken by an estimated 1 million people (accord. 2011 Census).
Most Khelobedu speakers only learn to speak Sepedi at school, as such Sepedi is only a second or third language and foreign to them like English and Afrikaans. This means they are at a great disadvantage when compared to other leaners who do their home language as a first language in school.
We therefore, humbly request on what steps can we take for Khelobedu to be recognized as an official language in South Africa. This will not only help learners but will bring greater representation of the Balobedu people.
Your response will be greatly appreciated

Kind Regards
Maphai Masie & Thomas Notico