The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has expressed grave concern about the lack of adequate interpreting services during parliamentary proceedings, as shown in trending videos circulating on social media. PanSALB views this matter seriously, especially the allegations that members of parliament are being denied the right to speak or express themselves in their own languages other than English and Afrikaans. As a result, PanSALB will initiate an engagement into the matter in accordance with sections 8(1)(c) and (h) of the PanSALB Act, which allows PanSALB to advise and monitor the implementation of the language-related legislation, policies, and practices, especially those relating to the provisions of the Constitution. After this, PanSALB will make binding recommendations to Parliament if the provisions of interpreting services during parliamentary proceedings are still inadequate.
“The Constitution is clear when it comes to language rights. It requires us to ensure that all previously marginalised languages enjoy parity of esteem and compels government to take positive measures to develop them. The PanSALB Act further grants the non-diminution of rights relating to language and the status of languages existing as at 27 April 1994. Therefore, it is critical that all South Africans understand their fundamental right to speak their own languages regardless of the platform, aided of course by the use of adequate interpreting services which the State is obligated to provide. Freedom of expression is guaranteed, especially in precincts such as Parliament” said PanSALB CEO Mr Lance Schultz. “The favouring of English and Afrikaans over other languages is unconstitutional and government should guard against creating a hegemonic state that undermines the languages used by almost 80% of South Africans”, concluded Schultz.
PanSALB continues to monitor the implementation of the Use of Official Language Act 12 of 2012, and how it has been operationalised across various government departments and entities, to actively promote the use and development of all official languages in the country. The institution is actively addressing linguistic human rights violations to promote a society that complies with linguistic legal regulations, embraces linguistic diversity, and values multilingualism.