Language Policy Implementation

It is the task of Language Services to monitor the implementation of the Western Cape Language Policy. This policy ensures the equal use of the three official languages in the Province: Afrikaans, English and Xhosa. The goal is to ensure that residents of the Western Cape have access to services in the official language of their choice.

Language Services promotes Xhosa as a previously marginalised official language. It also promotes the Khoisan languages and Sign Language with awareness programmes.

Language Services supports the Provincial Language Forum, consisting of all language practitioners employed in the Western Cape Provincial Departments. There are smaller language units within each department and Language Services ensure quality control over each of these. The Forum allows the practitioners to:

• network
• discuss the development of Xhosa and Afrikaans terminology
• access interpreter training.

Read more about the Language Code of Conduct for the Western Cape Government.