Deputy Speaker, this Bill has created controversy and stirred up emotions, and this was to be expected. Language has the power to unite or divide, and we cannot hope to achieve equality among our people if the language that people wish to express themselves in does not enjoy equal status in the eyes of our government.
Section 6(4) of the Constitution states explicitly: "All official languages must enjoy parity of esteem and must be treated equitably." The Bill must adhere to this constitutional requirement and not end up discriminating against minority languages, relegating them to disuse. For instance, if a Siswati-speaking or Xitsonga-speaking person living in the Western Cape was to walk into any government department, they should not be forced to speak a language they do not fully understand. In fact, they should be free to speak any of the 11 official languages in any government structure, because not being able to do so would be stripping away not only the right to use their language, but also part of their identity.
The Minister has stated that his department wants to promote multiculturalism and this Bill presents a great opportunity for the department to show that government can cater for all 11 languages used in our country and not create the perception that other languages are more valuable than others.
Asiziqhenye ngezilimi zethu. [Let us be proud of our languages.] The IFP supports this Bill. Thank you. [Applause.]