Dear Editor
Today, the Democratic Alliance (DA) has joined millions of South Africans in celebrating the remarkable milestone of 100 years of Afrikaans as one of South Africa’s official languages and as part of our nation’s linguistic tapestry.
Afrikaans is a critical component of the culture and identity of millions of people who are connected through their linguistic bond. The place and role of Afrikaans in South Africa is sacrosanct, and language rights are human rights.
We recognize the rich and inalienable diversity of our country, through its 12 official languages. Each one on its own is the protected right of its speakers, and all 12 collectively are the constitutionally protected linguistic diversity of our great country.
We will continue to fight for the protection of all official languages, and for Afrikaans the fight today in which the DA believes is for it to never be threatened in schools, universities, the media, and public life where others seek to eliminate it.
Some small parties have chosen today to make this momentous milestone a political point-scoring; but the DA rejects this. The DA is a party for the diverse and united people of South Africa, and we will defend and protect language rights for ALL, which is why today, we celebrate Afrikaans.
Regards
Willie Aucamp LP
DA Nasionale Woordvoerder