THE FUSE

This year marks the 30th anniversary of the South African Constitution. Section 6 establishes 11 official languages (South African Sign Language became the 12th in 2023) and states that these “must enjoy parity of esteem and must be treated equitably”. At South African universities, this constitutional provision underpins various language policies and language planning initiatives. Stellenbosch University, the oldest historically Afrikaans university, is currently reviewing its language policy. This article has two objectives: to summarise and provide a public comment on the first draft of the new policy; and to situate the issues raised within the wider context of university language planning in South Africa. This includes a critical reflection on the emerging role of generative AI in language planning.