Ramaphosa zeros in on indigenous languages in schools
President Cyril Ramaphosa wants the government to intensify its efforts to teach indigenous languages in more than 20 000 schools across the country.
According to the president, the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities (CRL) will form a partnership with government to achieve multiculturalism across schools.
Ramaphosa was speaking at the Mxolisi Jacobs stadium in the Northern Cape at the main Heritage Day celebration event.
The president themed this year's celebration around the importance of reading and promoting indigenous languages.
"Over the past few years we have reduced the number of public schools that do not teach African languages from 2500 to just over 460. By the end of next year we are aiming to ensure all South African schools, we've got 23 000 public schools, we want all our 23 000 schools to offer an African language where our children can learn our languages," he said.
"Around the country there are efforts underway to promote indigenous languages and multilingualism through the Commission for the Promotion and Protection of the Rights of Cultural, Religious and Linguistic Communities, as well as the Pan South African Language Board."
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Royals celebrate Heritage Day in Bo-Kaap
The area situated at the foot of Signal Hill has been declared a South African Heritage Protection Site. Prince Harry and Markle will walk through the streets of Bo-Kaap and visit local residents who are set to host them for a cup of tea or coffee in their home.
He added that parliament has been tasked with adding sign language to the list of official languages.
"Our parliament has also been asked to elevate sign language to the status of the official language."
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