Final Shortlist for Pan South African Language Board Appointments Revealed

In an extensive process of nominations and careful selections, the Portfolio Committee on Sport, Arts and Culture has put forth a final shortlist of 18 candidates for the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB), signifying a key step in the promotion and development of multilingualism in the country. PanSALB, through its reconstitution, continues to uphold its constitutional mandate to nurture all official languages, including under-represented Khoi, Nama, San languages, and languages of religious and community significance in South Africa.

The selection process began with the call for public nominations on the Department’s website and social media platforms of Parliament, rounding up an impressive 136 nominations. In line with the Pan South African Language Board Act, the Portfolio Committee scrutinized the candidates and created a shortlist of 25 candidates who were then interviewed by a panel comprising members of various political affiliations.

The process was marred by one withdrawal and the unfortunate passing of Dr. Nomakhosazana Hazel Rasana, one of the initial nominees. Nonetheless, the remaining candidates underwent a comprehensive interview process which resulted in the shortlist.

These candidates were selected for their expertise and representation of South Africa’s official languages. They possess diverse skills including translating, interpreting, terminology, lexicography, language planning as well as language and literacy teaching. This aligns with the Portfolio Committee's commitment to ensure board members collectively mirror the country's rich linguistic profile.

The candidates now await a security clearance from the State Security Agency before their official appointment by the Minister of Sport, Arts and Culture. The Committee takes pride in the meticulous and transparent process that underscores the integrity of the appointments and reinforces the importance of PanSALB in bolstering language rights and cultural expression in South Africa.

The Committee also expressed its gratitude to all those who put forward their nominations, underscoring the critical role of PanSALB in reflecting the nation's linguistic diversity as more than a mere regulatory body but as a custodian of cultural identity and inclusivity.

The Minister is to appoint a board of no fewer than 11 and no more than 15 members from these candidates, ensuring a balanced representation of the diverse languages and skills required to push the board's goals forward effectively. With the final appointments pending, the aspirants for the PanSALB await the opportunity to contribute to the overarching goal of a unified yet linguistically diverse South African society.