Chairperson, in 1976 schoolchildren fought over language instruction. As government, we tend to forget the seriousness and sensitivity of this topic. This is the very reason that Hector Pieterson and so many learners died. It is sad that we remember their cause only once a year. As a leader, I realise that I have not done enough to ensure that my own child attaches the same importance to indigenous languages that she does to our home language.
The historical and current context of language issues in South Africa remains fraught and continues to have an influence on relationships between language and society. Allowing the current status of our schools will result in the marginalisation of all indigenous African languages.
Therefore my question is: What have we done over the past 17 years to protect, revive and restructure the system to incorporate the 11 official languages as mediums of instruction and as a part of the curriculum to encourage communication across racial divides?
It is sad that South African families hardly communicate in their home languages. After 17 years in our democratic South Africa, black children are still not being taught in their mother tongue. This directly affects racial integration because children from different racial and cultural backgrounds come together on the playground. That is where the foundations are laid for a united future.
Greater effort should be made and financial assistance be given to accelerate the progress of the move towards gearing all South Africans to meet the practical language requirements of our country. Furthermore, it is not enough to restrict ourselves to phrases like "heita" and "hola" [hello] in the corridors of Parliament. Therefore it is important that Parliament should offer language courses for Members of Parliament in its leadership management academy.
The ID supports and encourages the introduction of national awareness through active multilingualism and the recognition of all traditional leaders in all spheres of government. [Applause.]