PanSALB TO INVESTIGATE LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL LINGUISTIC HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION COMPLAINTS

PRESS RELEASE 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE   

18 JANUARY 2023, PRETORIA

 

PanSALB TO INVESTIGATE LEGAL PRACTICE COUNCIL  LINGUISTIC HUMAN RIGHTS VIOLATION COMPLAINTS

 

The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has taken note of the announcement issued by the Legal Practice Council (LPC) on 13 December 2023 that LPC examinations will be conducted only in English from the year 2024 onwards. PanSALB regards this as a Linguistic Human Rights violation in terms of the PanSALB Act, Use of Official Languages Act 12 and the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. PanSALB, will, in accordance, with the PanSALB Act 59 of 1995, as amended, investigate the linguistic human rights violation, and make recommendations to ensure the adoption and implementation of a language policy and language practices that are within the framework of the Constitution.

PanSALB’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr Lance Schultz said “It is crucial to promote inclusivity and avoid perpetuating English hegemony, which is discriminatory and exclusive. PanSALB has reached out to the Legal Practice Council to ensure its language policy is compliant with the relevant legal prescripts and will provide recommendations on the matter. While the LPC reviews its language policy, PanSALB has advised the council to withdraw the notice published on 13 December 2023 with immediate effect.”

The PanSALB Board Chairperson, Prof Lolie Makhubu Badenhorst said “The LPC language policy forms part of a larger flaw within the South African justice system that needs to be addressed with urgency, which is the adoption of English as the only language of record in the courts. This goes against the multilingualism ideals outlined in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa. To rectify this situation, the Board is engaging and collaborating with relevant state organs to ensure that the justice system reflects the country’s diverse demographics and languages.

 

ABOUT PanSALB

PanSALB was established in terms of the PanSALB Act 59 of 1995 as amended in 1999 to provide for the recognition, implementation, and furtherance of multilingualism in the Republic of South Africa and the development of previously marginalised languages.

 

ENDS

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Released on behalf of PanSALB:  Ntombentle Huluhulu

Head: Marketing and Communication

Mobile: 061 581 5216

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