Govt launches language plan
20 March 2003
Minister of Arts, Culture, Science and Technology Ben Ngubane says the inclusion of all languages in the mainstream is part of African renewal.
Ngubane was speaking at the launch of the National Language Policy Framework in Pretoria on Tuesday. The policy framework was approved by Cabinet last year for use in government as well as in higher education institutions.
The language policy seeks to promote the equitable use of the country’s 11 official languages, in order to ensure equal access to government services and information.
A language policy implementation plan was also presented during the launch. The plan details mechanisms to ensure that government departments and institutions comply with the policy.
Ngubane said it is through one’s language that one can "own the institutions of critical thought ... It is therefore a critical challenge for us to ensure that we bring an African tradition and perspective to our structures and
processes. Our languages are critical mechanisms to do that."
Ngubane his department was working closely with other role players, including the education sector, government departments and, more importantly, with the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), to ensure the broader usage of indigenous languages in the country.
PanSALB deputy chairperson Rosalie Finlayson, also speaking at the launch, said the principle of multi-lingualism contained in the Constitution was finally being realised.
Finlayson said the time for not implementing language policies in support of the country’s democracy was over, and challenged South Africans to "walk the talk" by demanding services in their own language. "This is your right and you must use it", she said.
The language policy framework will, according to Ngubane, also create jobs and other opportunities as the demand for translation, editing, and interpreting services, especially in African languages, increased.
Source: BuaNews
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