CITY OF
TSHWANE
The City of Tshwane embraces and
works towards multilingualism. This is evident from its Language Policy, which
was adopted on 2 August 2007 and subsequently revised and adopted on 27
November 2012. The policy is aimed at enabling the residents of Tshwane to
communicate with the Municipality and access municipal services in the language
they understand best.
The City of Tshwane has adopted eight languages
as its languages of communication, namely –
·
Afrikaans;
·
English;
·
Sepedi;
·
Setswana;
·
Xitsonga;
·
Tshivenda;
·
isiZulu; and
·
isiNdebele
An effort is also made to use the other official
languages of the Republic of South Africa, including South African Sign
Language, on request.
The Language Policy outlines the
following strategies to promote multilingualism in Tshwane:
Translation and editing: An in-house service is offered
in the above six languages.
Terminology development: Terminology is developed
continuously in the in-house languages. Terminology development, especially in
the African languages, contributes to reducing the lack of terminology and
fast-tracking translation.
Interpreting services: Interpreting services are
provided during public participation meetings so as to afford residents of
Tshwane the opportunity to participate in decision making. The Language
Services Unit also facilitates interpreting services at disciplinary hearings,
Council meetings, conferences and all other forums where required.
Language training: This service is offered to
enhance employees' English language skills so as to improve their performance.
Training is offered on writing reports, business letters, agendas and minutes, among
other things.
Language policy management: Language policy management
focuses on supporting the implementation of the Language Policy. Activities
include monitoring and evaluation, language awareness campaigns, literature
development initiatives, and language audits or surveys.
The Language Services Unit is
dedicated to the realisation of its mandate, as we believe that we can
contribute to building a united and inclusive society.
For more information on the Language Policy, please
contact:
Landela Nyangintsimbi
Tel: 012 358 4762
Fax: 012 358 7453
Email: landelan@tshwane.gov.za