New Western Cape Language Committee (WCLC)

The Standing Committee of the provincial parliament invited the general public to nominate persons to serve as members on the WCLC. In full compliance with the Western Cape Provincial Languages Act (Act no 13 of 1998), the Standing Committee short-listed candidates that meets the requirements and submitted them to the Minister for Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation for final approval.

The process of replacing the previous Committee has been an open and transparent one; issues of transformation, gender equity and rural representation were taken into account to ensure a balanced WCLC that will be able to deliver on its mandate.

The WCLC is a statutory body that aims to

• Monitor and regulate the use of the Afrikaans, English and Xhosa by the Western Cape Government and give increasing effect to the equal status of the mentioned languages
• Elevate status and advance of those indigenous languages whose status and use have been historically diminished
• Advise the Pan South African Language Board on any language matter in or affecting the Western Cape.

In terms of the Language Act (Chapter 2) the members will be nominated to serve a three-year term.