Public Service’s draft three-language plan sparks concern for other tongues
THE Department of Public Service and Administration wants to do business in three languages: IsiZulu‚ English and Setswana.But it is feared the move, set out in a policy draft for public comment, will leave other languages in the cold.Pan African South African Languages Board chief executive Mpho Monareng said the policy was important to promote SA’s languages‚ but this could be "reckless" if the process was not co-ordinated properly."It’s a good idea‚ but you need a plan to ensure that all languages are represented well. It might not be sensible to give traction to certain languages‚" said Monareng."My worry is languages like XiTsonga and XiVenda will suffer because they are not popular."Afriforum deputy chief executive Alana Bailey said: "Some departments‚ such as justice‚ use a very fair and sensible approach by using all languages …. in a key department such as public service‚ this would have been the best option."The department proposes to use IsiZulu‚ English and Setswana — on...
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