Newly Appointed Western Cape Language Committee Welcomed by Minister Marais

The newly appointed Western Cape Language Committee was officially welcomed to the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport today by Minister Anroux Marais.

During the official welcome, Minister Marais emphasised the importance of promoting the three official languages of the Western Cape. Minister Marais also acknowledged the development of South African Sign Language and highlighted the new increased representation for the deaf on the Committee.

The new members of the Western Cape Language Committee are:

Ms. Isabeau Botha

Mr Willem Jr. Fransman

Mr Johan Walter Koopman

Dr Niel Le Roux

Ms Laurian Lesch

Ms Stephanie Lotz

Mr Mazantsi Sivuyile

Prof Monwabisi Ralarala

Mr Andries Van Neikerk   

[Note to editors: This is extract is from the welcoming address delivered by Minister Anroux Marais at the official induction of the newly appointed Western Cape Language Committee]

The Western Cape Language Committee was established by the Western Cape Provincial Languages Act, 1998. The Committee was listed as a Schedule 3, part C provincial public entity on 1 June 2001 in terms of the Public Finance Management Act, 1999.

Die Wes-Kaapse Taalkomitee moet onder andere:

• Die gebruik van Afrikaans, Engels en Xhosa deur die Wes-Kaapse Regering moniteer
• Aanbevelings aan die Provinsiale Parlement en myself doen oor voorgestelde of bestaande wetgewing, praktyk en beleid wat direk of indirek met taal in die Wes-Kaap verband hou
• Die beginsel van veeltaligheid daadwerklik bevorder;
• Die ontwikkeling van voorheen gemarginaliseerde inheemse tale daadwerklik bevorder en
• Proaktief die Wes-Kaapse Kultuurkommissie, PanSAT en myself van raad bedien oor taalsake in die Provinsie.

Dit behoort hieruit duidelik te blyk dat die taak wat aan u opgelê is, enorm is.

The Western Cape has been the leading province in implementing a Language Policy in Government. It is also clear that language rights are an important and controversial issue in the current climate of transformation, especially in higher education. Therefore, it is pivotal that the Language Committee proactively advises on these matters and continues monitoring the implementation of the Language Policy in all the provincial departments.

I take this opportunity to emphasise the importance of developing South African Sign Language, and I am pleased to see the new increased representation for the deaf on the Committee, which again reflects the department’s recognition of the importance of improving service delivery to the deaf community.

I look forward to working with you as we engage better together for a socially inclusive, creative, active and connected Western Cape.