The University of Cape Town (UCT) has made significant strides toward inclusivity by officially adding isiXhosa to its list of official languages as part of its revised language policy. Announced by UCT Vice-Chancellor Professor Mosa Moshabela, this initiative emphasizes the university's commitment to promoting multilingualism, particularly through the use of indigenous languages. The policy was formally approved by the UCT council during its December 2024 meeting and was launched on Thursday, 27 February 2025, coinciding with the observance of International Mother Language Day.
According to reports from Cape {town} Etc, this new approach acknowledges the fundamental role of languages in education and communication. Professor Lolie Makhubu-Badenhors, UCT’s director for the multilingual project, articulated the initiative's goals, stating, "If we are only using the language that's foreign to the student, then the student can’t access knowledge." The language policy’s primary aim is to uplift marginalized indigenous languages within South Africa, allowing for greater accessibility and inclusivity within the educational framework.
This revised language policy does not merely focus on isiXhosa; it also promotes other languages such as Afrikaaps (Kaaps), South African Sign Language (SASL), Khoekhoegowab, and N|uu for their continued development at UCT. These will now be integral components of the university's communications and learning methodologies, highlighting the diverse linguistic heritage of South Africa.
The UCT language policy aims to create conditions where languages are not encountered as barriers, but rather as pathways to knowledge and engagement. Professor Moshabela affirmed, "This policy will help us embrace both the extraordinary diversity within our community and an environment where language is valued as a resource for learning, research, and communication." This reflects UCT’s commitment to fostering an environment where all languages are recognized as valuable assets.
To assist students, the new policy encourages undergraduate students who lack proficiency in any indigenous language to take a course focused on isiXhosa communication. This introductory language course is intended to boost linguistic skills and promote cultural awareness among students across campus.
For postgraduate students, innovative changes introduced by the policy include the requirement for PhD abstracts to be translated not just to English but also to one of the marginalized indigenous languages. This provision aims to support and celebrate the cultural diversity of students’ backgrounds, allowing for richer academic engagement and wider accessibility to research. The supportive ecosystem includes provisions for translating theses and dissertations, ensuring they are available to diverse audiences.
To implement the language strategy effectively, faculties and the Professional Administrative Support and Service (PASS) departments at UCT are mandated to develop specific language plans. These plans are subject to approval by the university Senate and will undergo regular reviews every five years, enhancing the adaptability of the policy to the needs of the community.
The language policy committee will be instrumental in facilitating this transformation, offering translation services and supporting multilingual teaching strategies within the institution. Moshabela emphasized the broader goal, stating, "By striving toward being a multilingual environment, we aim to empower our students and staff to engage with diverse languages and cultures, thereby contributing to an inclusive and transformative academic experience." This commitment places UCT at the forefront of language diversity initiatives within higher education.
Internal communications at UCT will also reflect the new language policy, with notices and announcements made available in at least two of the official languages wherever feasible. This adjustment will evolve the university's communication practices, ensuring alignment with the cultural and linguistic preferences of its stakeholders.
Overall, UCT's new language policy signifies not just the inclusion of isiXhosa but also highlights the university’s broader objectives for inclusivity and transformation. By making substantial changes to its linguistic framework, UCT strives to create an academic environment where all students, regardless of their linguistic background, can thrive and contribute meaningfully to the community. This initiative not only supports the learning journeys of students but also endorses the rich cultural fabric of South Africa, promoting linguistic diversity and empowerment at all levels of education.
