SA’s official languages not being used equally
English mostly used in offices
The question on whether the English language was being overused in government departments and public notices was yesterday under scrutiny.
This after the commission for the promotion and protection of the rights of cultural, religious and linguistic communities (CRL Rights Commission) hosted hearings in Braamfontein, Johannesburg, in an effort to address the unequal treatment of the 11 official languages in South Africa.
The hearings will be able to assess and determine the use and status of the indigenous languages in offices and positive measures that departments are employing to elevate the status and advance the use of these languages.
CRL will be receiving reports and interrogating various stakeholders operating in this space. The national department of arts and culture was put under the spotlight on their language policies.
The department failed to answer most of the questions asked by the commissioners.
Presenting on behalf of the department, Zanele Ndima said the department’s language policy is in the process of being reviewed.
“There has not been any complaint based on the language usage during recruitment processes. The department’s language policy promotes the usage of 11 official languages,” Ndima said.
The commission will be assessing as to how far and what plans do these stakeholders have to demonstrate their practical response to the requirements as outlined in the constitution for them to develop and achieve practical implementation of policies, strategies and plans.
The stakeholders called upon to give answers to the commission in clude national and provincial departments, municipalities as well as all organs of state such as judiciary and education departments.
However, the commissioners were impressed by the Gauteng department of arts and culture’s presentation.
On behalf of the department, Ramphele Maphata said the department was currently providing language internships every two years.
“We have currently advertised vacancies of six language practitioners and currently have two in place. The department understands that citizens have the right to exercise their linguistic rights, therefore all our language practitioners have attended South
African sign language training and the department has advertised two posts for South African Sign Language Practitioners,” said Maphata.
One of the commissioners, Professor Pitika Ntuli said the commission has asked the national department of arts and culture and all provinces to present on their language policies.
“We want them to tell us what policies do they have in development and protection of languages and if they have got any policies for implementation. Also, to find out since South Africa gained its freedom, what are the tangible things that they can show us.”
The hearings continue today.
‘ ‘ Our policy promotes the usage of 11 languages