The Portfolio Committee on Arts and Culture remains alarmed at the continuing challenges facing the Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB). The Committee is concerned that, despite raising its concerns on numerous occasions since the 5th term of Parliament, the challenges remain and in some instances seem to have escalated.
Of major concern to the Committee are issues around governance as well as delivery on its mandate. The institution has continued to function for a number of years without a permanent Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer which has had an impact on the overall governance of the institution. Furthermore, the Committee was hopeful when the current board took office as it viewed it as an opportunity to steer the institution in the right direction. The Committee is however disappointed with developments thus far, more especially with the processes undertaken by the board before making major decisions.
To compound matters, the working relationship between the languages body and the Department of Arts and Culture is not one of cooperation towards shared goals. It is this relationship that the Committee deems important in turning the situation around. To this end the Committee urged the Department and PanSALB to improve this working relationship.
“The Committee remains concerned that the paralysis at the institution is having a negative impact on its ability to promote the equal use of all South African languages. The situation remains untenable and requires urgent attention from all relevant stakeholders for the benefit of our languages,” said Xoliswa Tom, the Chairperson of the Committee.
The Committee urges the Ministry of Arts and Culture to work with the board and senior management of the institution to reverse the situation.
Enquiries or for interviews with the Chairperson:
Malatswa Evans Molepo
Parliamentary Communication Services
Tel: 021 403 8438
Cell: 081 512 7920
E-mail: mmolepo@parliament.gov.za
