Language legislation in the spotlight in Limpopo
150 SGB members from Vhembe East and West circuits attended a workshop hosted by the Pan South African Language Board on language legislation.
LIMPOPO – Over 100 members of School Governing Bodies (SGB) from Vhembe East and West circuits underwent a day-long training on language legislation, conducted by the Pan South African Language Board’s Limpopo office, during a workshop held at Khoroni Hotel on February 19.
Limpopo senior manager for the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), Joyce Madiba said the purpose of the workshop for members of SGBs were to train them on matters of language legislation, which affect the language rights of their children, as well as to highlight the importance of mastering, speaking and writing in their mother tongue.
Madiba told the media during the interview that PanSALB invited 150 SGB members from Vhembe East and West and was impressed wat the turnout.
“It is important for SGB members to understand the languages in the South African Schools Act and the importance of promoting multilingualism in South Africa since it is important for each school to have a school language policy, which PanSALB can advise on. According to the act, all learners will be offered at least one approved language as a subject in Gr 1 and 2 and as PanSALB, we are on board in advising SGB’s on choosing the language of teaching for learners,” said Madiba.
She added that PanSALB will conduct another workshop for newly appointed SGB members this year once the Education Department has concluded the process of appointing new SGBs.
The 2024 School Governing Body elections will take place from March 1-31 throughout the province and in a statement, Education MEC Mavhungu Lerule-Ramakhanya urged those who will be elected to focus on proper governance for the purposes of effective learning and teaching.
Vhembe regional chairperson for the National Association of School Governing Bodies (NASGB), Bethuel Thilivhali Ravele told SGB members who attended the workshop that their role should be of providing strategic directive to the various schools they are representing. “The custodians of school funds are the school governing bodies and nothing else, and SGB’s are to be respected for their role as custodians.”
