The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) strongly condemns the conduct shown in the viral video where a woman verbally attacks KwaZulu-Natal Police Spokesperson Colonel Robert Netshiunda for not communicating with her in isiZulu. The behaviour shown in the video constitutes discrimination based on language.
While PanSALB fully recognises the legitimate frustration individuals may experience when not served in their preferred language, such frustration does not justify discrimination. Section 9 of the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa prohibits unfair discrimination by the state or any person on grounds of language (among others). This behaviour violates that principle and undermines the dignity of a public servant who responded calmly and professionally despite the provocation. Furthermore, the use of derogatory terms towards the officer is unacceptable and is tantamount to hate speech which is a criminal offence in South Africa. This behaviour sets a poor example when directed at any public servant performing their duties.
PanSALB urges all South Africans to embrace the constitutional values of multilingualism as enshrined in section 6 of the Constitution, which promotes the equal treatment and parity of esteem for all official languages. We must actively challenge and dismantle lingering attitudes rooted in colonial and apartheid-era divisions that pit language communities against one another.
PanSALB remains committed to promoting linguistic inclusivity, respect, and the right to be served in one’s language, while ensuring that this must never come at the expense of discriminating against others.
ABOUT PanSALB
The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) is a constitutional body mandated to create conditions for the recognition, implementation and furtherance of multilingualism in the Republic of South Africa, and the development of previously marginalised languages.
