UP lecturers must comply with language policy, says AfriForum Tuks

7 March 2015

AfriForum Tuks sent a letter to the University of Pretoria in which it points out that the University may not present modules in a manner that is inconsistent with the language policy. This follows after AfriForum Tuks obtained information that certain deans already attempt to implement the English Only policy despite a decision by the Council that the language policy process must start all over again.

“The University’s management should inform lecturers that the old language policy is still in force because the language policy’s reviewing process has to start over again. We cannot have a situation where the University is busy reviewing the policy, but faculty heads apply a different language policy in practice,” said Morné Mostert, AfriForum Youth’s National Project Coordinator.

These facts agree with a similar situation at the University of Stellenbosch, where AfriForum Youth submitted an application to Court to compel heads of faculties to adhere to the language policy.

The Council of the University of Pretoria is the only body that can formally change the language policy. The Council can only take this decision after consultation with all concerned parties and after a proposal by the Language Committee. This process will enable the Council to make an informed decision.

“AfriForum Tuks will monitor the situation and communicate further with University and Faculty Management to ensure that no student is discriminated against.”

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Statement issued by Morné Mostert, National Project Coordinator, AfriForum Youth, 7 March 2016