FridayOL

Language Row Rocks Kouga Council: Accusations of Silencing isiXhosa Councillors

JEFFREYS BAY – A heated debate over language has erupted at a recent Kouga Municipality council meeting in the Eastern Cape, sparking accusations of discrimination and hindering effective governance. Opposition parties are alleging that isiXhosa-speaking councillors are being unfairly silenced when attempting to participate in discussions.

The controversy centres around the use of isiXhosa during council proceedings. While Afrikaans and English are traditionally the dominant languages used, critics argue that the Municipality's approach effectively excludes those who primarily speak isiXhosa, a language spoken by a significant portion of the Kouga community.

The Core of the Complaint: Unequal Participation

According to sources within the opposition, instances have occurred where isiXhosa-speaking councillors have been interrupted or discouraged from expressing their views in their native language. This, they claim, creates an environment where these councillors feel marginalised and unable to fully contribute to the decision-making process.

“It’s a clear case of linguistic discrimination,” stated a representative from one of the opposition parties. “These councillors are elected to represent their communities, and they should be able to do so without facing barriers based on the language they speak. The current situation undermines the principles of inclusivity and democratic participation.”

Municipality's Response: Balancing Language Needs

The Kouga Municipality has acknowledged the concerns but maintains that it is striving to balance the language needs of a diverse community. A spokesperson for the Municipality explained that official council meetings are conducted in English, with Afrikaans translations often provided. They also suggested that councillors are encouraged to use interpreters when necessary.

However, critics argue that relying solely on English and Afrikaans, and providing interpreters on an ad-hoc basis, is not a sufficient solution. They contend that it places an additional burden on isiXhosa-speaking councillors and doesn't address the underlying issue of creating a truly inclusive environment where all voices can be heard.

Legal and Constitutional Implications

The situation raises important questions about the legal and constitutional rights of councillors to participate in official proceedings in their preferred language. South Africa’s Constitution guarantees the right to use one’s mother tongue, and there are legal precedents that support the use of indigenous languages in government institutions.

Moving Forward: Towards a More Inclusive Kouga

The controversy has highlighted the need for the Kouga Municipality to adopt a more proactive and inclusive approach to language policy. Possible solutions include:

• Providing simultaneous translation services in isiXhosa during council meetings.
• Developing a formal language policy that explicitly recognises and supports the use of isiXhosa.
• Offering language training to councillors to improve communication across different language groups.

Ultimately, resolving this language row requires a commitment from the Kouga Municipality to create a truly representative and inclusive environment where all councillors, regardless of their language background, can effectively serve their communities. The situation serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges in ensuring equitable access to governance and the importance of respecting linguistic diversity.

The issue is expected to be further debated at the next council meeting, with opposition parties vowing to push for concrete changes to address the concerns raised.