The South African Government of National Unity (GNU) should not implement the Basic Education Laws Amendment (Bela) Bill and in particular the sections that relate to language, because it risks provoking conflict.
It should rather implement the 2002 findings of the Gerwel Commission that was constituted when Kader Asmal was minister of education, under former president Thabo Mbekis government. The recommendations could easily be updated for todays practical reality.
If the national coalition government successfully manages the language issue, we could potentially create a situation similar to Switzerland, where our children are fluent in at least three or more languages.
However, if the current conflict escalates to the point where the DA withdraws from the coalition government, due to pressure from Afrikaner organisations such as AfriForum, then South Africa risks losing the opportunity to build a multilingual society for another generation. It would be a tragic setback for nation-building and shaping our national identity.
I am in a position to offer an informed opinion on the proposed amendments, because during my time on the University of Pretorias Student Representative Council, I held the portfolio for multilingualism and culture.
