The High Court of South Africa this morning (11 March 2016) granted Stellenbosch University (SU) an extended deadline until 29 March 2016 for language implementation in accordance with the Language Policy and Language Plan of 2014, and as specified per module in the faculty calendars (yearbooks) of 2016.
On the advice of senior counsel SU decided not to oppose the application of AfriforumJeug and other respondents, but requested the Court to replace the clause 'with immediate effect' (translated from: 'met onmiddellike effek') with 'from Tuesday 29 March 2016' (translated from: 'vanaf Dinsdag 29 Maart 2016') to enable the University to communicate with the campus community and to facilitate practical arrangements.
A comprehensive background and developments regarding language implementation at Stellenbosch University served in an affidavit (available in Afrikaans only) at the High Court. The University has in the meantime started an official process for the revision of the Language Policy and Language Plan of 2014. The process will be conducted in accordance with the prescribed procedures and will include consultation with SU's stakeholders.
More information will be communicated to the campus community very soon.
