The SiSwati language is slowly being lost, with broadcasters urged to take a leading role in preserving the language and ensuring that it remains faithful to the standards passed down by previous generations.
Director of Information and Media Development in the Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology (ICT), Senani Khumalo, raised concern over the state of SiSwati during a language workshop held at SibaneSami Hotel on Tuesday.
Khumalo said the country was witnessing a gradual erosion of the language, particularly as the way SiSwati is spoken and used continues to change. 
She said the concern was particularly important within the broadcasting sector, where radio and television personalities have a significant influence on how language is spoken and understood by the public.
Khumalo explained that the workshop was convened to bring broadcasters and relevant stakeholders together to address the preservation and proper use of SiSwati.
She noted that broadcasters occupy an influential position in society because the language they use on air reaches large audiences and can shape everyday communication.
According to Khumalo, protecting SiSwati therefore requires deliberate efforts to ensure that the language is used correctly and respectfully across broadcasting platforms.
Despite her concerns about the gradual loss of the language, Khumalo expressed optimism that the workshop would provide an opportunity for stakeholders to confront the challenge and identify ways of strengthening SiSwati.
She said the ministry had created a platform through which the problem could be discussed and addressed collectively.
“I am, however, pleased that despite this situation, the ministry has prepared a platform from which we can address this matter and work towards resolving the problem that is confronting us,” she said.
