As the university reviews its language policy, students have expressed mixed reactions to how the language policy plays out in practice.
Khayalethu residence, meaning “our home” in isiXhosa is an illustration of Stellenbosch University’s multilingual and transformation efforts. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
While Stellenbosch University’s language policy promises inclusion on paper, its impact is determined by whether students actually experience the implementations in practice. According to the language policy at SU, “In all aspects of postgraduate learning and teaching, including undergraduate modules at NQF level 8 and postgraduate qualifications at NQF level 7, English or any other language(s) may be used, provided the lecture(s) and all the students are academically proficient in other language(s).”
Despite this provision, Lusisipho Magadla, a BComHons in Economics student, shared an experience where language differences during group work created barriers to participation.
“Recently, I was part of a group project of four students, and two of them communicated in Afrikaans. The rest of us did not understand what was being said, which made it difficult to contribute effectively, and I feel that this negatively affected our performance,” said Magadla. She added that while she understands Afrikaans is permitted at the university, students should be more considerate of language differences.
“Policies are good on paper because they are written by people, and they have ideas, thoughts, they use their critical thinking to put these words onto paper […] but then it doesn’t mean it is going to translate to the people’s lived experiences,” said Abongile Quthu, an SU alumni, when asked about the language policy.
In an email dated 28 April, from Professor Richard Stevens, SU’s acting Vice-Chancellor at the university, invited students to participate in the language survey by 5 May. The survey formed part of the university’s five-year policy review cycle which was last undertaken in 2021.
“This cyclical review process ensures that the policy remains responsive, relevant, and aligned with the university’s evolving academic and social context,” said Martin Viljoen, SU’s spokesperson.
However, not all students experience the policy in the same way. “My home language is English and that’s the main language the university uses, so I am comfortable with the language policy,” said Kalyleigh Koekemoer, a fourth-year BDatSci student at SU.
“It provides staff and students with an opportunity to make suggestions and highlight the challenges in implementing the current language policy,” said Viljoen. He added that the feedback from the survey will be important to help the university create a more welcoming and inclusive environment.
The Walter Hazell Parry information board, amongst others at Stellenbosch University is displayed in English, IsiXhosa and Afrikaans. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
“The review will afford SU an opportunity to determine whether the intended purpose of the policy was met, if not, what are the gaps in the implementation and how the gaps best identified can be best addressed,” said Dr Zethu Mkhize, the Director of Social Impact and Transformation at SU.
A survey was sent out in 2024 for suggestions on naming two new residences on main campus, informed by multilingualism and other factors. The naming of Walter Parry at Stellenbosch University reflects how student input can contribute to institutional changes. PHOTO: Bulela Sikithi
“Students must play an active role during the review process by making their written submissions within a specified period,” said Mkhize. The survey findings are expected to make some changes to the university’s language policy, offering students an opportunity to shape how multilingual commitments are translated into practice.