An investigation into the implementation of South African Language Policy at Makhado Local Municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa

Abstract

This article sought to investigate the implementation of the South African language policy at Makhado local municipality in Limpopo Province, South Africa. The paper further examined whether Makhado municipality officials promote the use of indigenous African languages as mandated by the Constitution of the Republic. Qualitative research method was employed, and data collected through interviews with twelve participants and official documents were analysed using thematic content analysis technique. The study revealed the lack of language policy at Makhado local municipality in line with the South African language policy. The article further established that indigenous African languages are used and only promoted communicate with customers while, English remains the main language used in majority of official documents at this municipality. The study recommends that Makhado Local Municipality should develop a language policy in line with the South African Language Policy and outlines strategies that should be followed to promote the indigenous African languages.

Keywords: Implementation, Indigenous African Languages, Language policy, Local Municipality, South African Language Policy