ABOUT US

Sol Plaatje University (SPU) is a young, dynamic and growing university located in Kimberley, Northern Cape, established in 2014. Named after the renowned South African intellectual, writer, journalist, translator and language advocate Sol Plaatje, the University is committed to education, knowledge production, innovation and community development. SPU offers a multidisciplinary academic environment through its Faculty of Humanities, Faculty of Education, Faculty of Natural and Applied Sciences, and Faculty of Economic and Management Sciences. These faculties provide opportunities for undergraduate and postgraduate study, research and innovation, supported by a growing community of students and academics who contribute to the development of the Northern Cape and South Africa.

The University is situated in a province characterised by rich history, cultural diversity and multilingualism. Kimberley’s history is closely associated with diamond mining and the economic development of South Africa, while the wider Northern Cape is home to diverse communities and languages, including Setswana, Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa, as well as the linguistic heritage of indigenous communities such as the ǂKhomani and Nǀu. This context gives SPU a distinctive role in promoting scholarship that responds to the social, cultural, technological and economic realities of the region. The University provides an environment in which students can develop academic, research and professional capacities while engaging with issues that have local, national and global relevance.

The hosting of the 28th International Conference of the African Languages Association of Southern Africa (ALASA) reflects SPU’s commitment to African languages, scholarship, research and innovation. The ALASA 2027 Local Organising Committee reflects this collaborative spirit, comprising academics from the Faculty of Humanities and Faculty of Education, together with postgraduate students. Their involvement provides an opportunity for staff and students to work together in organising an international scholarly event while developing valuable academic, leadership, organisational and professional skills.

For SPU, hosting ALASA 2027 is an opportunity to showcase the University, strengthen research and institutional partnerships, develop student capacity, and highlight the linguistic and cultural richness of the Northern Cape.