Review of the Language Policy of the University of Pretoria

18 February 2016

I wish to confirm that the University of Pretoria's language policy is currently under review.  The review was initiated in February 2015 in the light of changing student demographics and to assist the University in fostering student academic success.

The report of the appointed task team was discussed at Senate on 27 January 2016. Following the consultation with the Senate, the report is currently being discussed with students and faculties.

After the consultation process, the Council will consider the proposals on the future language policy. Implementation of any changes will be in compliance with the relevant legislation as the language policy is a statutory matter that must be submitted to the Minister of Higher Education and Training.

Professor Cheryl de la Rey

Vice-Chancellor and Principal

Feedback invited on the proposed amendments to the University of Pretoria's Language Policy

18 February 2016

As part of its ongoing consultation about the University of Pretoria’s language policy, the University Management had scheduled a series of meetings with student representative bodies on 18 and 19 February 2016 to provide feedback on the Language Policy Task Team Report, as well as the proposed amendments to the language policy contained in the report. Unfortunately, the meetings scheduled for 18 February could not proceed. The meeting scheduled for 19 February is postponed.

Proposed amendments

The Language Policy Task Team’s proposed amendments to the policy are:

That English should be the primary language of instruction in all lectures.

That the University should promote multilingualism as a means of facilitating student success and building social cohesion.

That Afrikaans and Sepedi should be used to provide additional support to students in tutorials, practicals and discussions.

Transitional arrangements will be put in place should the proposed amendments listed above be accepted.

Given that the above-mentioned consultation process had to be halted today we wish to invite staff and students to provide feedback per email on the proposed amendments listed above.

Feedback should be sent to [email protected]  by 29 February 2016.

Statements issued by the University of Pretoria, 18 February 2016