[lg policy] NWU following in footsteps of UFS and UP

[Harold Schiffman]

 NWU following in footsteps of UFS and UP – Pieter Groenewald
Pieter Groenewald |
13 March 2018
FF Plus leader says leaked plan aims is to systematically phase out
Afrikaans in courses

*NWU following in the footsteps of UFS and UP concerning Afrikaans*

*12 March 2018*

The North West University (NWU) is following in the footsteps of the
University of the Free State (UFS) and the University of Pretoria (UP) with
regard to their language policy on Afrikaans. The vice-chancellor Prof Dan
Kgwadi is being hypocritical by trying to reassure NWU alumni that the
university’s language policy will remain multilingual. That is exactly the
same assurance that the UFS and the UP gave their alumni.

The modus operandi is clear: the language policy of the NWU’s new statute,
which was adopted in March 2017, provides that the language policy “must be
flexible and functional, and must redress language imbalances of the past
and promote multilingualism, access, integration and a sense of belonging.”

When it comes to the practical application of the policy, it means that
amended language policies will be implemented. Documents that were leaked
indicate that the plan is to systematically phase out Afrikaans in courses
and that a transition is intended, after which no first-year-level classes
will be presented in Afrikaans by the year 2021. This is exactly the same
route that Kovsies (UFS) and Tuks (UP) followed.

The so-called consultation process is no more than a smokescreen, just like
with the colours of the NWU. The greater majority were opposed to the
purple and in favour of the maroon, but then the purple was simply
implemented.

Afrikaans-speaking students have a constitutional right to receive their
education in Afrikaans, but their right is being violated and even ignored
by the Constitutional Court, like in the case of Kovsies. Keeping one out
of the 38 university campuses in the country predominantly Afrikaans
certainly is not asking too much.

Pres. Ramaphosa’s office has already indicated that he is willing to meet
with me to discuss the issue of land and then I will also raise this issue
of Afrikaans at the NWU.

*Issued by Pieter Groenewald, FF Plus leader, 12 March 2018*


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 Harold F. Schiffman

Professor Emeritus of
 Dravidian Linguistics and Culture
Dept. of South Asia Studies
University of Pennsylvania
Philadelphia, PA 19104-6305

Phone:  (215) 898-7475
Fax:  (215) 573-2138

Email:  haroldfs at gmail.com
http://ccat.sas.upenn.edu/~haroldfs/

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