The Portfolio Committee on Culture, Sports and Recreation, led by the Committee chairperson, Bosman Grobler, held an oversight meeting with the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB). The Departments of Culture, Sports and Recreation (DCSR) and Education (DoE) are awaiting progress reports on the promotion of indigenous languages, specifically siSwati and isiNdebele.
The high level meeting was held on Thursday, June 12, at Elias Ginindza House at the Mpumalanga Legislature in Mbombela. The Committee reaffirmed its commitment to the preservation and promotion of these two prioritized indigenous languages. The relevant departments were urged to speed up efforts to promote siSwati and isiNdebele.
The MEC for the DCSR, Leah Mabuza, was accompanied by the Acting HOD, Mxolisi Mahlangu. His report emphasized the need for tangible outcomes and sustainable interventions. This is to not only safeguard the linguistic heritage of the communities, but to ensure their relevance and use in education, government, communication and cultural expression.
The Committee has voiced concern over the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), previously signed between the Departments and PanSALB, noting that very little has since been implemented. The DCSR, in collaboration with PanSALB, plays a vital role in fostering linguistic diversity, particularly siSwati and isiNdebele, two predominant languages spoken in the province.
Questions were raised regarding funding of language promotion programmes. The progress in developing educational resources in siSwati and isiNdebele are considered of major importance. The Committee also wished to understand PanSALB’s collaboration with traditional leaders, educators and local municipalities to ensure community participation. Grobler has requested updates on digital language preservation tools, dictionary development and the status of translation and interpreting services across public institutions.
