How South African lawmakers clashed while debating language discrimination in schools: Summary

What we know

• A South African parliamentary committee meeting meant to address racial and language discrimination in schools descended into a heated exchange over the use of indigenous languages.
• Lawmakers gathered on Thursday, July 24, to discuss claims that some schools in the Western Cape were unfairly excluding students based on race and language during admissions. But tension rose when one MP said he could not understand a colleague speaking the Sesotho language, sparking accusations of disrespect.
• The objection came from Siphetho Mkhize, a newly appointed MP from the MK party, who interrupted EFF MP Lencel Komane’s remarks in Sesotho to say he did not understand the language. Fellow lawmakers quickly criticised him, saying all official languages should be treated equally and defended in Parliament.
• Committee chairperson Sedukanelo Tshepo David Louw reminded MPs that interpreters are available and encouraged respect for South Africa’s indigenous languages.
• The committee later returned to the issue of school discrimination, where MK MP Pinky Mngadi accused Western Cape education officials of allowing racial profiling. Provincial education minister David Maynier denied the claims and urged anyone with evidence to report it for formal investigation.

What they said

EFF MP Mandla Shikwambana said, “There is no language that is superior to another here. They’re all equal.” Touching on the subject of racial profiling of pupils within some schools in the province, Mandla said, “We do not tolerate racism in our schools and department. I want to be very clear about that. I would encourage, if any parent or MP has any evidence of a case, to please ensure that you lodge a complaint.”