In a spirited celebration filled with poetry, music, and cultural pride, students in the town of Orania marked a historic milestone this week — the 100th anniversary of the Afrikaans language. The centenary event, hosted at local schools and community centers, paid tribute to a language that has shaped South African identity, literature, and heritage for generations.
From moving recitations of classic Afrikaans poetry to student-composed songs honoring the language’s legacy, the youth of Orania brought fresh energy to this century-old milestone. Dressed in traditional attire and armed with a passion for their mother tongue, learners celebrated not only the history of Afrikaans but also its relevance in today’s world.
“Afrikaans is more than just a language — it’s part of who I am,” said one high school student during a speech. “We speak it with pride, and we carry it into the future.”
The celebrations included interactive exhibits on the evolution of Afrikaans, dramatic retellings of key literary works, and discussions on the importance of language preservation in a globalized age. Local educators and historians also gave talks, encouraging students to see Afrikaans not just as a classroom subject, but as a living, evolving expression of culture.
While Orania is often in the spotlight for its cultural preservation efforts, this event highlighted a different, deeply human side of the community — one where young people are actively engaging with their heritage, asking big questions about identity, and celebrating their roots with both reverence and creativity.
Marking 100 years since Afrikaans was officially recognized as an official language in South Africa in 1925, the event stood as both a commemoration and a call to the future. In the words of one teacher, “We are not just honoring the past — we’re planting seeds for the next 100 years.”
