Implementation of the language policy at Tshwane University of Technology : the case of indegenous languages

Abstract

The new South Africa is encouraging multilingualism. The Department of Education has given a mandate to promote African languages. The Department of Higher Education came up with higher education language policy in 2002. All the higher education institutions have to choose indigenous languages to promote. Tshwane University of Technology has decided to promote Setswana and siSwati as their primary and secondary languages, respectively, to be used within the university. This study is about assessing the implementation of the Tshwane University of Technology’s language Policy. The researcher uses mixed methods to conduct the research. A survey and observation were used as tools to collect data. The researcher observed the implementation of the language policy at Tshwane University of Technology (Soshanguve Campus). The researcher also reviewed the language policies for Higher education and the Tshwane University of Technology’s language policy. The signage, marketing tools, billboards, directions and university documents were observed. This research was based on promoting the indigenous languages. From the data collected, Setswana is not used to convey the message within the university; therefore the indigenous languages are not yet implemented or promoted