MEDIA STATEMENT
BY THE
INKATHA FREEDOM PARTY
No More Laws in Afrikaans?
|
At a meeting of the Parliamentary Oversight Authority (POA) at Parliament today, Mr Koos van der Merwe MP complained that for some time now South African laws are no longer available in Afrikaans. He also complained that Hansard, a verbatim report of parliamentary proceedings, is also no longer available in Afrikaans. "I have been approached by senior lawyers who expressed their grave concern that Afrikaans, as a legal language, now faces serious challenges and may struggle for its survival," said Van der Merwe, the IFP's Chief Whip and spokesperson on Justice. He added: "I also raised my concern that Parliamentary tours for visitors are no longer available in Afrikaans." Van der Merwe said the POA discussed his concerns and were informed by senior staff members that it is a huge challenge to find enough staff skilled in the various languages to translate laws into all eleven official languages. "I have, fortunately, received offers of assistance from lawyers who are willing to translate new legislation into Afrikaans at no cost to Parliament. I informed the POA of this offer and am satisfied that the POA will attend to this matter soon." Contact: |