Multilingualism will be the main thrust of AfriForum's argument when the issue of the language policy at the University of the Free State (UFS) is argued in the SCA today, says a Volksblad report. The UFS is appealing an order by the full Bench of the Free State High Court that the new policy of English as the primary medium of instruction be set aside.

AfriForum Youth yesterday began a campaign aimed at the case, saying the outcome will not just be a turning point for Afrikaans, but also for other indigenous languages such as Sesotho.

‘We are not fighting for Afrikaans only. We are fighting for multilingualism, as it is so much easier to study in ones mother tongue,’ said AfriForum Youth leader on campus, Marika van As.

The UFS implemented its new language policy in the faculties of law, medicine and social sciences this year after successfully warding off an interdict. The university wants to implement the policy in all faculties from 2018.

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