ConCourt: University of Stellenbosch language policy ‘should remain in place’
The Constitutional Court has upheld a decision by the University of Stellenbosch to implement a policy that makes English its main language.
Justice Johan Froneman read the unanimous judgement on Thursday.
While the former Afrikaans university says the policy is meant to ensure equal access, multilingualism and integration, lobby group Gelyke Kanse believe it is unconstitutional and unfair to Afrikaans speaking students.
In handing down the ruling, Froneman said the 2016 decision by the university was constitutionally justified.
Froneman says most first years entering university can be taught in English, as opposed to the minority who can receive education in Afrikaans.
"Brown and white speaking first years are able to be taught in English. Conversely though, many are able to be taught in Afrikaans a significant minority cannot.
"The 2014 policy created an exclusionary hurdle for specifically black students studying at the university. This court finds that the university's process in adopting 2016 policy was deliberate."
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