Solidarity requests language policy information from Legal Practice Council

1 February 2024

Solidarity submitted an official request for information to the Legal Practice Council (LPC) about the decision to phase out Afrikaans as a language medium for examinations.

This request, brought in terms of the Promotion of Access to Information Act (PAIA) focuses on various aspects of the LPC’s decision to do away with Afrikaans as an examination language medium– including the motivations, consequences and processes for it.

Solidarity therefore requests all documentation, including records, minutes, agendas for meetings, as well as a comprehensive list of stakeholders consulted during the process to phase out Afrikaans.

“The Solidarity Law Network also wants to know which facts had to be taken into account as during the process. Among other things, these include questions such as how many legal practitioners took the exam in Afrikaans last year, how the Council monitors the language policy and how it ensures and expands language diversity,” Emil Glas, the Law Network’s organiser said.

Solidarity emphasises the urgency of this request and insists on written confirmation of the LPC’s willingness to meet with Solidarity to discuss the matter further. 

“If a positive response is not received within ten days, Solidarity reserves its right to institute PAIA procedures to enforce access to the required information,” Glas explained further. However, he believes that the LPC would view the request in a positive light.

Solidarity strives to protect the rights and interests of Afrikaans candidates and to ensure the continuance and expansion of languages in the practice of law.

“The ultimate goal of this request is to develop a common strategy that addresses the interests of all parties involved while promoting the constitutional principles of language diversity and access to rights,” Glass emphasised.

Issued Riaan Visser, Head: Law Network, Solidarity, 1 February 2024