Photo: Clive Reid / Flickr
Photo: Clive Reid / Flickr
It is all eyes on the Constitutional Court of South Africa this morning: The highest court in the land has a major decision to make in regards to the languages of instruction at Stellenbosch University. Over the last three years, Afrikaans has had to ‘share a level playing field’ with English as the institution’s official language – much to the dismay of many citizens.
What is Stellenbosch University’s language policy?
The move was made to, allegedly, provide equal access to all students and promote multilingualism. An appeal to have the move overturned has already been turned down, and ConCourt is the last throw of the dice for those looking to restore Afrikaans as the first language.
Should the court find in favour of the defendants, it would quash the original judgement and leave Stellenbosch University staring down the barrel. Undoubtedly, a successful challenge here would likely encounter a legal response mounted by the tertiary education facility. But, looking at the judgement from the 2017 application, the pro-Afrikaans complainants face an uphill battle.
“Looking squarely at the 2016 policy, one gathers that it does not reduce the Afrikaans offering at SU. In fact, the expressly stated goal of the policy is to maintain and, if possible, increase the Afrikaans offering, subject to demand and resources.”
Judge Daniel Dlodlo
ConCourt could overrule judgement to reinstate Afrikaans as “first language”
The language policy has been a bone of contention since it was first implemented. It forced Stellenbosch University to provide for real-time interpretation, and some classes have even decided on the primary language by taking a vote at the start of the semester. Here’s what else features in their revised rules.
“Stellenbosch University accepted a new Language Policy in 2016. This policy and the language implementation plans that go with it have been in place since 2017. Where Afrikaans and English are used in the same lecture, all information will be conveyed in at least English, with a summary or notes of key points in Afrikaans as well.”
“Furthermore, questions will at least be answered in the language in which they are asked Every faculty compiles its own Language Implementation Plan. The policy and plans will ensure that no student who has yet to master Afrikaans or English on an academic level will be excluded from academic tuition.”
Stellebosch University’s language policy
- Judgement on the matter is set to be handed down at 10:00 on Thursday.
Judgment tomorrow 10am: Was Stellenbosch University’s decision to adopt the 2016 language policy, which in some circumstances effectively preferences English, constitutionally justified?
— Constitutional Court (@ConCourtSA) October 9, 2019
