Transformation at Wits

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Language policy

Commitment to Linguistic Transformation

Wits University is leading the way in promoting linguistic inclusivity in South Africa’s higher education system. Our commitment to elevating historically marginalized languages—IsiZulu, Sesotho, and South African Sign Language (SASL)—is central to our mission.

Since adopting our language policy in 2013, we have taken strategic steps to integrate multilingualism into the university, including the formation of a Language Planning and Development Board in 2015. Over the past decade, these efforts have strengthened our academic community’s linguistic diversity.

Strategic Initiatives

1. Promoting Conversational Competence

We aim to develop fluency in IsiZulu, Sesotho, and SASL among students and staff through:

  • Targeted language courses
  • Immersive language environments
  • Communication workshops

These initiatives foster cross-cultural communication and enrich our academic environment.

2. Integrating Translanguaging in Education

We are embedding translanguaging strategies in teaching and learning to:

  • Enhance cognitive engagement and academic performance
  • Support the use of African languages in instruction
  • Develop multilingual word banks and standard vocabularies

These efforts ensure that African languages play an active role in our academic discourse.

3. Expanding Public Communication and Representation

To reflect our multilingual society, we will:

  • Develop multilingual communication materials
  • Organize events that celebrate linguistic diversity
  • Increase visibility of African languages in public spaces

This initiative strengthens cultural representation within the university and the broader community.

4. Research, Monitoring, and Evaluation

We will continuously assess our progress through:

  • Baseline studies on language proficiency
  • Annual impact assessments
  • Data-driven policy enhancements

This ensures our language initiatives evolve with the needs of our community.

5. Enhancing Language Prestige and Public Engagement

We aim to elevate the status of IsiZulu, Sesotho, and SASL by:

  • Developing a certification system for linguistic proficiency
  • Hosting public lectures, seminars, and cultural events
  • Recognizing multilingual competencies in official university ceremonies

By institutionalizing these languages, we contribute to their broader societal recognition and prestige.

Looking Ahead: A Multilingual Future

Aligned with the Wits 2033 Strategy, our language development plan is a long-term commitment to a multilingual academic environment. With financial support of R2.5 million for 2024–2026 from the DHET, we are building a university that reflects and embraces South Africa’s linguistic diversity.

This initiative is more than a policy—it is a transformative step toward educational equity, cultural respect, and a richer academic experience for all.

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