Tanzania’s Minister of Water, Hon. Jumaa Hamidu Aweso (MP), joined the Tanzanian diplomatic community, Kiswahili language stakeholders and Tanzanians living in South Africa to commemorate World Kiswahili Language Day at the High Commission of the United Republic of Tanzania in Pretoria.
The celebration was hosted by H.E. James G. Bwana, High Commissioner of the United Republic of Tanzania to South Africa, and brought together High Commission officials, members of the Tanzanian diaspora and stakeholders committed to promoting Kiswahili language and culture.
The 2026 commemoration was held under the theme, “Kiswahili for Peace, Solidarity and Economic Diplomacy in the World,” highlighting the growing importance of Kiswahili as a language of international communication, African integration, cultural exchange and economic cooperation.
New Online Kiswahili Learning Initiative Launched in South Africa
A key highlight of the celebration was the launch of an online Kiswahili teaching initiative, the Kiswahili Centre of Excellence in South Africa, aimed at expanding access to Kiswahili learning and strengthening the promotion of the language in South Africa and beyond.
Minister Aweso officially launched the initiative and commended the Tanzanian High Commission and members of the Tanzanian diaspora in South Africa for their efforts in establishing the institution.
He emphasised the important role of Kiswahili in strengthening peace, solidarity and economic diplomacy across the world, noting that the language continues to serve as a powerful instrument for connecting communities, promoting African identity and facilitating greater cooperation between countries.
The establishment of the online learning initiative is expected to contribute towards expanding access to Kiswahili education and supporting the continued international growth of one of Africa’s most widely spoken languages.
Minister Aweso Highlights Tanzania’s Water Sector Progress
Minister Aweso is currently in South Africa on a working visit focused on strengthening technological investment and cooperation in the water sector, particularly in addressing Non-Revenue Water and improving water management systems.
During his address at the World Kiswahili Language Day celebration, the Minister also highlighted Tanzania’s significant achievements in the water sector and outlined measures being undertaken by the Government of the United Republic of Tanzania to further develop and strengthen water infrastructure and service delivery.
His visit to South Africa reflects Tanzania’s continued efforts to explore technological solutions, partnerships and investment opportunities that can support improved water management and reduce water losses.
Tanzanian Diaspora Encouraged to Promote the Country
Minister Aweso also called on Tanzanians living abroad to continue serving as ambassadors of their country by promoting Tanzania, its culture, Kiswahili language and the wide range of investment, tourism and economic opportunities available in the country.
He highlighted the important role that diaspora communities can play in strengthening Tanzania’s international profile, creating economic linkages and building stronger relations between Tanzania and their countries of residence.
The World Kiswahili Language Day celebration in Pretoria underscored the growing role of language and culture in diplomacy. Through initiatives such as the Kiswahili Centre of Excellence in South Africa, Tanzania continues to advance the global promotion of Kiswahili while positioning the language as an instrument for peace, solidarity, African cooperation and economic diplomacy.
The commemoration also demonstrated the important role played by diplomatic missions and diaspora communities in promoting cultural diplomacy and strengthening people-to-people relations between Tanzania and South Africa.
