The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has resolved to use the ‘Sepedi’ nomenclature and will transition from using Sesotho sa Leboa across all its operations, official communication, publications, and official documentation. This Board resolution follows extensive deliberations on the need to align PanSALB’s institutional position with the language’s current constitutional designation as recognised in the Constitution of the Republic of South Africa.
“PanSALB recognises that languages carry historical, cultural, and political significance, and form a considerable part of the identity of our linguistic communities. Therefore, this decision should not be interpreted as a rejection of linguistic diversity, but rather as an administrative measure aimed at ensuring constitutional alignment and institutional consistency in the use of the language’s official name. This resolution will ensure that our institutional practice is aligned with the current constitutional framework while continuing to protect and promote the rich linguistic diversity of the country,” said the PanSALB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keaobaka Seshoka.
PanSALB acknowledges that the question of language nomenclature has generated considerable interest among language practitioners, academics, and members of the public. Whilst the Board has commissioned its own research into the language’s naming convention, the Board recognises the need to provide space for different perspectives to co-exist, as is accorded by our constitutional democracy. The institution therefore remains committed to meaningful engagement with relevant stakeholders as part of the implementation of the Board’s resolution. The Board views such engagement as important to ensure that the transition is properly understood and that legitimate linguistic and cultural considerations are taken into account.
PanSALB remains committed to promoting multilingualism and linguistic diversity and is dedicated to creating conditions for the development of all official languages, including Khoi, Nama and San languages.
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 marginalized languages.
