Western Cape Launched Language Policy

The Premier of the Western Cape, Ibrahim Rasool and the MEC for Cultural Affairs, Sport and REcreation, Chris Stali launched the Western Cape Language Policy last night, giving official recognition to all three languages of the province, English, Isixhosa and Afrikaans at a function attended by provincial MEC's, representatives from other provincial governments, academics and lauage practitioners at the V&A Waterfront.

The Western Cape Language Policy, the first for South Africa,effectively ensures equal status and use of the three languages as well as making provision for the development and promotion of other national official languages, the Sing language and Khoe and San languages. The launch last night coincided with the International Mother Tongue day.

Speaking at the function, MEC for Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation, Chris Stali called on government Ministers and government officials to lead by example and be sensitive to the language preferences of certain areas within the Western Cape. He said " Regretably, the government failed to communicate effectively in the past because Ministers had neglected to be sensitive and understand languages spoken and preferred in certain areas. Inevitably this impacted negatively on service delivery. This policy means we are now restoring the dignity of the people whose languages were previously marginalized. We are saying that even illiterate people have a right to be served in their mother tongues and government must take practical steps to implement this policy. We must equip all government departments with the necessary resources as recommended. That way, we will eventually succeed in improving service delivery"

The implementation plan which has already been approved by the provincial Cabinet will cost an estimated R4,2m for 2005/6 financial year. In terms of the plan, provincial departments must have language units to render translation and interpreting services thus ensuring that peoples of the Western Cape feel at home welcomed, and respected.The policy is the result of a five-year consultation process by the Wsetern Cape Language Committee including a thorough audit of the language use and preferences in the provincial government and costing exercise to ascertain the most effective and effecient way to implement the policy.

Issued by:
Mandla Yeki
Media Liaison Officer: DCAS
Tel: (021) 483 9804
Mobile:082 5533 477