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The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) has noted with great concern reports of members from various linguistic communities who have faced linguistic discrimination amidst the ongoing anti-immigration protests through linguistic profiling. PanSALB finds this to be extremely troubling in a country as multilingual and linguistically diverse as South Africa, with twelve official languages.

PanSALB acknowledges that illegal immigration is an important national issue that must be addressed by the relevant authorities; however, the institution firmly reiterates that no one should be subjected to suspicion, discrimination or violence because of the language they speak.

“It is worth highlighting that in Africa, language is not evidence of nationality, as there are cross-border languages that share linguistic, cultural and historical ties. Seeking to verify a person’s citizenship based on their language or accent is both inaccurate and contrary to the multilingualism and inclusive spirit of South Africa's constitutional democracy,” said PanSALB Chief Executive Officer, Dr Keaobaka Seshoka.

“Our Constitution guarantees every person's right to use the language of their choice without fear and prohibits unfair discrimination on any ground, including language. Respect for linguistic diversity is therefore a constitutional obligation to which we must all adhere,” she added.

As the constitutional institution entrusted with promoting multilingualism, language rights and respect for all languages commonly used by communities in South Africa, PanSALB believes that linguistic diversity should serve as a bridge between communities rather than a basis for division. PanSALB therefore calls upon communities and civil society organisations to reject linguistic profiling and to promote dialogue that strengthens social cohesion.

PanSALB reaffirms its commitment to protecting language rights, promoting multilingualism and advancing a society in which every person is treated with dignity, equality and respect.

Issued by GCIS on behalf of PanSALB