Chairperson, as we know, South Africa in the past promoted only two languages, which were English and Afrikaans. It's only the ANC that promoted multilingualism and the protection of marginalised languages, especially on the African continent. It is ... [Interjections.] Hayi, shut up!
Order! Order, please.
I withdraw it, Chairperson. You can't make that sexist statement. [Interjections.]
Order!
It is for this reason that an institution like the Pan South African Language Board, PanSALB, was established by the Constitution. PanSALB derives its mandate from the Constitution to bring on board other languages.
The Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture advised the Minister to dissolve the PanSALB board due to a number of challenges it identified. Soon after the dissolution, the Minister advertised for the nominations of board members. As the portfolio committee we sat up until midnight and worked over weekends because we had to ensure that the names of the candidates are submitted to the National Assembly for adoption.
I request this House to adopt the following names from which the Minister of Arts and Culture will appoint not more than 14 candidates as board members of the Pan South African Language Board, namely, Ms P Sobahle, Mr P A Phindane, Mr P D K Makhudu , Prof M A B Nyamende, Ms M Levin, Prof W Carstens, Dr M Alberts, Mrs C Mayevu, Prof M Madiba, Mr T Nemutanzhela, Dr P Nkuna, Dr Z Jama, Mr C R White, J J Malan, Mr M Zwane, Adv L Ramadi- Adebola, Mr J Blose, Ms S Mkhize and Dr H Theys. Candidates that have been shortlisted possess a variety of skills and expertise on language matters in South Africa, language planning, legal and financial management skills. One of the candidates on the shortlist is currently employed as a caretaker chief executive officer of PanSALB. Should the Arts and Culture Minister choose to appoint him to the board, I also request the House to adopt the provision that the candidate resigns as the caretaker chief executive officer, CEO, with immediate effect. Thus the contract must be terminated.
I wish to conclude by reminding people and all hon members that the Freedom Charter - which some of people decide that they do not know, hence they make sexist remarks - states that all people shall have equal right to use their own languages and to develop their own folk culture and customs. I therefore urge you, all hon members, to adopt the recommendation.
Ndiyabulela. [I thank you.]
There was no debate.
Chairperson, I move:
That the Report be adopted.
Motion agreed to. Report accordingly adopted.