Breaking the language barrier in school easier said than done 

Languages in schools should not be used as barriers, but rather to promote diversity.

While there are still many unplaced pupils around the province, Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga last month published a proposed policy for public comment for ordinary public schools.

But civil rights organisation AfriForum submitted commentary against the department of basic education’s proposed admission policy, which they say will come down to the anglicisation of single-medium Afrikaans schools.

Natasha Venter, manager of education affairs for AfriForum, said the implementation of this policy would have far-reaching consequences for the manner in which schools determined their own admission and language policies.

Venter said the proposed policy determined that the head of the department of basic education would be authorised to determine the admission period, as well as the registration process for schools in his/her province.

“The policy furthermore determines that no pupil may be refused access to a school because of the school’s language policy. This will mean that single-medium Afrikaans schools can be forced to accommodate pupils who cannot understand Afrikaans,” Venter said.

Education expert professor Mary Metcalfe, a senior researcher at the University of Johannesburg, said the provision of public schools in relation to the needs of pupils required schools to serve more than one language group.

“My understanding is that the department would need to provide the resources necessary [teachers and classrooms] to meet the language needs,” she said.

“The regulations are secondary legislation within the South African Schools Act and the constitution and would need to be consistent with language provisions within that primary legislation.”

Khume Ramulifho, DA Gauteng shadow MEC for education, said language should not be a barrier.

“We need to embrace our diversity and encourage everyone to learn different languages, rather than trying to limit access to schools,” Ramulifho said.

He supported pupils wearing school uniforms.

“School uniforms need to be more accessible and affordable,” he said.

He added that it was concerning that some uniforms were only available at one outlet.

“It should not be a way of making money but rather to promote unity.”

Ramulifho further said the killing of the school uniform may bring about other social problems.

“Not all parents can afford brand names such as Gucci or whatever, which may leave other pupils feeling uncomfortable.”

– marizkac@citizen.co.za

For more news your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.