Question NW3520 to the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
27 October 2022 - NW3520
Schreiber, Dr LA to ask the Minister of Higher Education, Science and Innovation
(1)Whether, with reference to his reply to question 1159 on 4 May 2022, in which he indicated that proposed amendments to the definition of indigenous languages contained in the Policy Framework are underway, the specified amendment to recognise Afrikaans as an indigenous language have been implemented; if not, what are the reasons that the amendments to recognise Afrikaans as an indigenous language have not been implemented despite his undertaking on 4 May 2022 to implement them; if so, what are the details of the amendments; (2) whether he will furnish Dr L A Schreiber with proof that the amendments have been gazetted; if not, why not; if so, what are the relevant details?
Reply:
1. As I had indicated previously, the Department has received, considered and accepted the legal advice on the status of Afrikaans as an indigenous language, and the need for policy adjustment to clearly reflect this fact so that we are not unduly distracted from the important task of developing our historically marginalised languages. The adjusted definition will be published in a Government Gazette. Officials from my Department have been having discussions with officials from the Department of Sport, Arts and Culture and there is consensus on the need for an explicitly inclusive definition of indigenous languages in the policy framework.
2. The Honourable member must rest assured that the amendment will be published as per the advice, and I hope this will close this matter once and for all and re-focus our attention on the main task at hand which is bringing dignity and respect to all our historically marginalised indigenous languages as the Constitution of the Republic demand of us.