UFS tackles AfriForum on right to retain language policy
The University of the Free State laid into Afrikaans lobby group AfriForum in the Constitutional Court, saying the group did not represent the views of the majority of Afrikaans-speaking people. UFS is fighting efforts by AfriForum to have its language policy retain Afrikaans as a medium of instruction .In a previous court case heard in the in Bloemfontein High Court, the university was ordered to halt its plan to implement a new language policy that would see English recognised as the main medium of instruction.Now UFS has gone to both the Supreme Court of Appeal and the Constitutional Court to have that ruling overturned.AfriForum deputy CEO Alana Bailey said the organisation found it disappointing that the university opted to appeal without replying to the high court judgment. Cosatu describes UFS test paper incident as ‘naked racism’The Congress of SA Trade Unions (Cosatu) in the Free State has called for urgent intervention following an incident at the University of the Free State (UFS) where Afrikaans-speaking students were given a question paper with answers during a test on Tuesday.AfriForum has promised to challenge changes to language policies at other Afrikaans institutions, including Unisa."Currently we are busy with legal action against UFS, the University of Pretoria and Unisa. In all cases we feel confident that the new language policies contravene the language rights guaranteed in the constitution," said Bailey.The university wants the case heard in the Constitutional Court in order to have the country's highest court set a precedent for all universities countrywide. Forum claims white student sprinkles urine on University of Free State security guardThe University of the Free State (UFS) is embroiled in yet another racist incident involving an employee and a student."The UFS policy, situation and litigation are widely viewed as a precursor and example by universities in similar circumstances," the university said in papers before the court.The Constitutional Court is yet to decide whether to hear the case...
There’s never been a more important time to support independent media.
From World War 1 to present-day cosmopolitan South Africa and beyond, the Sunday Times has been a pillar in covering the stories that matter to you.
For just R80 you can become a premium member (digital access) and support a publication that has played an important political and social role in South Africa for over a century of Sundays. You can cancel anytime.
Already subscribed? Sign in below.
Questions or problems? Email helpdesk@timeslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00.