The Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture is shocked at the level of paralysis within the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB). In a meeting with all levels of the staff on Friday the Committee concluded that the institution is in a grave situation requiring urgent attention.
The Committee is concerned that the institution does not have a recognised organisational structure to implement its mandate. Furthermore, indications are that the structure in place currently is top heavy, with a lot of senior managers and few implementers. What is even more worrying for the Committee is that of the current allocation that the entity receives, about 70% is spent on remuneration of employees, leaving a small portion to implement the necessary work of the institution.
“PanSALB is an important body entrusted with developing, protecting and promoting all South Africa languages, but currently the institution is failing to implement this mandate. It cannot be business as usual, something drastic needs to be done to turn things around if all South African languages are to be treated with the requisite respect,” said Ms Xoliswa Tom, the Chairperson of the Committee.
To this effect, the committee has requested the newly appointed board to immediately initiate measures aimed at rescuing the institution and report back to the Committee in three months. The Committee also committed to improving their oversight role on the institution to ensure that the situation is reserved.
For media enquiries and interviews with the Chairperson please contact:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 073 297 1914
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
