In a significant move for language rights, AfriForum has welcomed the withdrawal of a directive from the Northern Cape South African Police Service (SAPS) that mandated all official documents in the province to be written solely in English. This announcement comes on the eve of Human Rights Day, marking a crucial victory for linguistic diversity and inclusion within South Africa's policing framework.
On March 20, 2025, SAPS members were notified of the retraction through a letter, which aligns with AfriForum’s ongoing efforts to uphold language rights in the region. Alana Bailey, AfriForum’s Head of Cultural Affairs, expressed relief over the rapid response to what was identified as a serious violation of language rights. According to her, the initial instruction, issued on March 12, required documents to be available only in English, which could hinder communication with non-English speaking crime victims.
Bailey elaborated on the problems that could arise from such an instruction, highlighting incidents where police officers, lacking training in translation and not being native English speakers themselves, were required to take statements in a language that may not be understood by the victims. “It is particularly perturbing that senior SAPS members are not taking note of these challenges, as the instruction of March 12 demonstrates,” she stated.
This is not the first time that such a directive has been issued in the Northern Cape. A similar instruction was given in 2016 but was quickly withdrawn in 2017 following legal action from Solidarity, another advocacy group. Bailey emphasized the importance of public vigilance in such matters, urging communities to report any language rights violations immediately. “The rapid withdrawal of this instruction proves that action against it can indeed be successful. Language rights can only be realised when the speakers of the languages concerned jealously guard it,” she remarked.
The quick retraction of this directive by the SAPS reflects an increasing awareness of language sensitivity in law enforcement protocols. Language plays a critical role in ensuring that all members of society, regardless of their linguistic background, receive fair treatment and appropriate services from public institutions.
AfriForum’s proactive stance in addressing this issue highlights the organization’s dedication to protecting the rights of language speakers in South Africa. Collaboration with other groups, such as Solidarity and the Cape Forum, has been crucial in raising awareness about such directives that could infringe on individuals’ rights.
As Human Rights Day approaches, the incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for language equality in South Africa. It underscores the need for continued advocacy and vigilance regarding language rights, particularly in official institutions where communication barriers can have severe consequences for community members. The outcome of this case illustrates that public support and legal action can lead to swift amendments in policies that affect language rights.
Bailey concluded her remarks by reiterating the importance of not brushing off such directives, indicating that the implications of language policy are paramount. AfriForum encourages all South Africans to engage in dialogue about language rights and to hold institutions accountable for ensuring inclusivity in communication. This commitment to language rights not only serves the immediate needs of those affected but also fortifies the broader framework of human rights in the country.
