African languages discipline is an embodiment of myriads of modules, which are largely connected to IsiZulu socio-cultural and linguistic aspects. The discipline is also a home to Kiswahili, ensuring that through the inclusion of some giant African languages, the university continues to be the premier university of African scholarship. Inclusion of Sesotho within the discipline is also underway, in line with the university’s endeavours to venture into a multilingualism space.

African languages discipline offers sit-down modules from undergraduate until honours level. Honours have a research aspect which contributes 25% towards the whole degree. Both Master of Arts and Doctor of Philosophy are full research degrees. Modules from undergraduate until postgraduate level equip students with socio-cultural, linguistics and literature scholarly knowledge and skills. Such knowledge and skills prepare and expose students to a variety of careers. Students can become socio-cultural and linguistics experts, translators and interpreters, terminologists, lexicographers, writers, actors, and contributors to language planning and development.