It is tragic that the courts have to protect the true diversity of South Africa, with a dozen languages, from the ANC regime, and it remains unfortunate that the ANC government preaches diversity, yet applies monolingualism. This ruling is appropriate on the eve of Heritage Day, in that it recognized the language rights of students, and imposes a specific obligation with regard to execution on Unisa. It is equally unfortunate that language and cultural communities have to turn to the courts in the final instance, to claim their rights as diverse languages with specific reference to Afrikaans, especially at historically Afrikaans universities.
Constitutional Court Declares UNISA Language Policy Unconstitutional in 5 Year Long Court Case!
Afrikaans was 146 Years Old on 14 August, Ironically also the Last Day for Comments on Second Draft of Stellenbosch University’s Language Policy
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On 14 August it was the Afrikaans Language’s birthday and it is commemorated as the birthday of Afrikaans because on this date of 14 August 1875, the Society of True Afrikaners (GRA) was founded in Paarl. Therefore, Afrikaans is 146 years old this year. During this period, Afrikaans was expanded to an academic and scientific language which, according to Prof Wannie Carstens, a well-known linguist, is one of five requirements for the survival of any language. well, until globalism arrived…
It is therefore at the same time tragic and ironic that 14 August 2021, is indicated as the last day on which people can comment on the second draft version of Stellenbosch University’s language policy. The Policy (according to the introductory section) aims “to expand equitable access to Stellenbosch University for all students and staff members, to promote multilingualism and appreciation for multilingualism, a
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Afrikaans as a language of instruction at Stellenbosch University will have to take a subordinate place – English will be the medium of instruction
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In June 2016, Stellenbosch University decided that English would be the language of instruction and that Afrikaans should take a subordinate place.
The vote cast by 113 against 10 votes in favor of the resolution is a clear indication that Afrikaans is being rejected by the government and certain opposition parties.
On Thursday, the Constitutional Court ruled that the university’s decision to make English the main language, with Afrikaans in addition, is a “reasonable” decision that should remain so.
Language policy judgement explained
Judge Johan Froneman confirmed the bench’s unanimous decision on Thursday. He explained his reasons for upholding the contentious language policy at Stellenbosch University, reasoning that too many students on campus are unable to learn subject matter when taught in Afrikaans:
“Brown and white speaking first years are able to be taught in English. Conversely though, many are able
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‘You will regret it in 30 years time’: Tito Mboweni on scrapping Afrikaans at UP
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Finance minister Tito Mboweni ruffled feathers after tweeting that he disagrees with the removal of Afrikaans as a medium language of instruction at the University of Pretoria.
As of 2019, English is the medium language of teaching for all first-year classes at the university after AfriForum Youth and Solidarity lost a high court battle in 2016 to challenge the language policy.
Former University of the Witwatersrand vice-principal Tawana Kupe took up his position as the first black vice-chancellor at the University of Pretoria, placing racial transformation of academic staff at the centre of his agenda.
Mboweni’s tweet triggered much debate and responses, as the minister firmly stood by his opinion.
This report does not necessarily reflect the opinion of SA news