Winning the Welsh Learner award at the Welsh Refugee Council Nation of Sanctuary Awards 2024 has given Hlehle Mazwi the confidence to continue learning the language.
The award honours individuals for their contribution to or personal development in the Welsh language.
Hlehle is originally from South Africa. There are 11 official languages in South Africa, and Hlehle can speak, read and write confidently in eight of those languages, including her mother tongue, isiXhosa, IsiZulu, isiNdebele, Siswati, Sesotho, seTswana, Northern Sotho and English.
When Hlehle moved to Wales in 2019, she was aware the Welsh language was spoken, and wanted to learn more about it.
Hlehle started learning Welsh two years ago, using Duolingo and the internet to learn basic words and phrases, such as ‘diolch’ (thank you), and ‘bore da’ (good morning). During her time as an Education (MA) and Business Administration (MBA) student at the University of South Wales, she would always use her Welsh when making presentations.
Hlehle later followed ‘Croeso i Bawb’ courses, developed by the National Centre for Learning Welsh. The courses, which introduce Wales and the Welsh language, were held at the Oasis Centre, Cardiff.
Hlehle takes every opportunity to learn and use the language in her day-to-day life.
Hlehle explains: “I’m very interested in languages. I speak my own language, my mother tongue, isiXhosa, therefore I know how valuable the Welsh language is to Wales.
“Culture, language, and heritage are very important to me. That’s why I wanted to learn Welsh.
“I have such an interest and passion for the Welsh language, and I love talking to people about the language and showing my enthusiasm for it."
When Hlehle and her friends socialise, they try to learn new Welsh words together, and quiz each other in order to learn more about the language. Hlehle has an interest in sport, especially rugby and tennis, and enjoys watching sports programmes on S4C to help her learn. She uses TikTok to share and educate others about her language journey, and is also working on Welsh puzzle books.
Winning the award was "a great feeling" and "gave me confidence to continue learning the language", explains Hlehle. She says that living in Wales and learning the language has made her feel part of the community. Her aim in the future is to be able to speak and converse fluently in Welsh, and practise as much as possible with Welsh speakers.
