Western Cape language policy: still relevant?

[Harold F. Schiffman]

http://www.capegateway.gov.za/eng/your_gov/3576/news/2005/nov/117588
5 November 2005

SOURCE: Ministry of Cultural Affairs, Sport and Recreation (Provincial
Government of the Western Cape)

The Western Cape Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport should address
the critical shortage of arts and culture centres in the rural areas and
begin to improve infrastructural development in those areas to be able to
effectively promote arts and culture in a manner that is inclusive.

These were the sentiments expressed by delegates at the Cultural Policy
Review Summit held at Ritz Hotel in Sea Point on Saturday, 5 November
2005. It was alleged that the Department was guilty of focusing only on
the Metro region in promoting arts and culture. The summit was convened by
the Department to give all stakeholders a last chance to input into the
Draft Arts, Culture and Heritage Policy in an attempt to transform the
cultural landscape of the Western Cape and re-align the policy with that
of central government. Delegates felt that the transformed cultural policy
should address the rights and working conditions of performing artists and
proactively strive to eradicate exploitation and abolish unethical
behaviour in the arts, culture and heritage sectors.

With reference to the Language Policy of the Western Cape, which was
officially launched in February 2005 giving recognition and equal status
to English, Afrikaans and IsiXhosa, delegates said the policy may not be
relevant today. They said that the Language Committee must be sensitive to
the changing dynamics caused by migration to the Western Cape and take
into account the increase of other languages like Sotho, Nama and Khoisan.
The Summit dealt with the complex issue of traditional leaders and the
lack of legislative framework within the province and resolved to refer
the issue to Contralesa for further discussions and clarity.

There was agreement that the question of the arms length relationship with
the public entities such Cultural Commission, Heritage Western Cape and
Language Committee including their roles should be re-defined. Delegates
also flagged for scrutiny the potential overlap and clash between Pansalb
and the Western Cape Language Committee.

Addressing delegates at the summit, MEC Whitey Jacobs said, "We must come
out of this session with policy changes that will ensure that all our
people, regardless of their different cultures, language, orientation,
skills and religion benefit equitably from the resources of the
government. Some of us bear witness to how performing artists played a
pivotal role in toppling the apartheid regime. At the height of the
political instability in the country, artistic expression was an
unbelievably powerful tool that rallied and united the oppressed masses
against a common enemy - racism and oppression. I hold a view that arts
and culture can play a significant role in social cohesion, national
reconciliation, unity and nation building in the same way it did, during
the dark days of apartheid."

All policy changes suggested have been recorded and stakeholders and
interested parties are asked to submit further written proposals to Ms
Annerie Pruis at 021 483 9730 or email apruis at pgwc.gov.za before 10
November 2005.