Koketso Sachane of SAfm The Meeting Point in conversation with ILAF Chair, Dr Zakeera Docrat.
Dr Docrat described Ilaf as a bottom up network of educators, artists and activists for the promotion of indigenous languages alongside English in the country. Docrat said language is central to the legal system of South Africa. Language is fundamental to how justice is accessed in the country. She adds that the majority of our country speak a mother-tongue as a first language and sometimes they do not speak English at all. Justice must therefore be available in indigenous languages. She highlighted that cases were heard in indigenous languages post-apartheid in the lower courts. Thus, having Chief Justice Mandisa Maya in the higher courts is crucial for indigenous languages as she has pledged to promote indigenous languages. Maya’s appointment is significant as she has shown leadership. The language of record in South African courts is currently English only. Dr Docrat also disagreed with associating language with race. You can listen further to the conversation on SAfm.
