Government expects to spend over R327-million over the next three years to ensure the promotion of multilingualism in its departments, in line with the implementation of the National Language Policy Framework.

This means that the policy will be followed in the production of publications by national departments.

Last month, Cabinet approved the policy for the promotion of other South African languages for use in higher education institutions.

Speaking in Johannesburg today, arts and culture minister Ben Ngubane said in those cases that did not require publications in all 11 official languages, national government departments would publish documents simultaneously in at least six languages.

In this instance, selection would be on the basis of at least one from the Nguni group (isiNdebele, isiZulu or isiSwati; one from the Sotho group (Sepedi, Sesotho or Setswana); Tshivenda, Xitsonga, English and Afrikaans.

However, in cases where effective and stable operation required ‘comprehensive’ information communication, publications would be published in all the prescribed official languages.

The minister said the process of a gradual process would allow departments to incrementally develop capacity and manage implementation more effectively.

For this reason, he added that government structures would have time to plan their budgets and operations accordingly with a gradual increase in the allocation of funding for language-related activities, in line with the policy over the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) period.

On the estimated allocation of funds for the implementation of the policy in departments, Dr Ngubane said it was insignificant considering the importance of diverse language use.

To complement the effect and application of the policy, government would also encourage and where necessary, support private enterprises to develop and implement own policies.

Noting the demand for translation work, especially in the African languages, the minister said translation expertise in these languages would have to be expanded, with the employment of skilled freelance language practitioners, such as translators, editors and interpreters.

This, he said, would go a long way towards job creation for people with the linguistic skills. ‘It is hoped this will also curb the diminishing numbers of students who study African languages at tertiary institutions.

Another necessary step will be the establishment of language units in all national government departments and provinces.

In collaboration with capacity the Pan South African Language Board, the arts and culture department will monitor progress in this regard, including reviewing the policy and making recommendations if necessary.

The minister sent a message that public servants ought to remember the principle of Batho Pele (People First), and broaden access to government and its functioning through the empowering and essential tool of language.

Meanwhile, Dr Ngubane announced the establishment of a Geographical Name Database, to facilitate the official naming of places and reduce the duplication of naming places in the country.

Developed by the State Information Technology Agency (SITA), the resource is an authoritative database of the South African Geographical Names Unit and can be accessed through the department’s website at http://sagns.dac.gov.za – BuaNews