AfriForum to carry on its fight for Afrikaans at Unisa
by Staff Writer
2016-07-27 17:01:31.0
AFRIFORUM has said it will continue fighting Unisa’s decision to drop Afrikaans as a medium of instruction after the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday dismissed its challenge against the language plan, but only on the grounds of urgency.
The lobby group will continue to focus on its main application, said AfriForum deputy CEO Alana Bailey.
AfriForum is challenging Unisa’s plan to end parallel language instruction on several grounds, including procedural flaws — such as a lack of consultation — and demographic factors, she said.
Unisa is one of several universities that have announced plans to dispense with Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. The universities of Stellenbosch and the Free State have also decided to make English their primary language of instruction. The University of Pretoria is currently debating its language policy.
Earlier this month AfriForum succeeded in having the University of the Free State’s decision declared unconstitutional.
PROTEST: Students demonstrate in support of the retention of Afrikaans as the primary medium of instruction outside the University of Pretoria’s Hatfield campus in February. Picture: THE TIMES
AFRIFORUM has said it will continue fighting Unisa’s decision to drop Afrikaans as a medium of instruction after the High Court in Pretoria on Thursday dismissed its challenge against the language plan, but only on the grounds of urgency.
The lobby group will continue to focus on its main application, said AfriForum deputy CEO Alana Bailey.
AfriForum is challenging Unisa’s plan to end parallel language instruction on several grounds, including procedural flaws — such as a lack of consultation — and demographic factors, she said.
Unisa is one of several universities that have announced plans to dispense with Afrikaans as a medium of instruction. The universities of Stellenbosch and the Free State have also decided to make English their primary language of instruction. The University of Pretoria is currently debating its language policy.
Earlier this month AfriForum succeeded in having the University of the Free State’s decision declared unconstitutional.
