The department exists since 1967 and has proudly taught and developed the African languages.
Undergraduate courses are offered in two channels, one for mother-tongue speakers (under the names Sepedi for speakers of Northern Sotho, and isiZulu for speakers of Zulu) and one channel for non-mother tongue speakers (under the names Northern Sotho, Zulu and the Communicative courses in Northern Sotho and Zulu).
These undergraduate courses deal with issues of pronunciation, phonetics and grammar, oral and written communication, cultural orientation, oral art, literature and many other aspects.
Please note that as from 2012 only Zulu 1 and Northern Sotho 1 will be available to non-mother tongue students. A student who thus wants to study an African language up to 3rd year will have to switch to the mother tongue courses (isiZulu 2, 3 or Sepedi 2, 3).
The department also offers honours, masters and doctorate study programmes.