ANC: Afrikaans 'an inspiration'

2005-08-15 14:54

Cape Town - The African National Congress has hailed the development of Afrikaans over the past 130 years as an inspiration for South Africa's other indigenous languages.

It has also pledged its commitment to protecting and promoting Afrikaans.

"The African National Congress salutes the achievements made in the development of Afrikaans as a home-grown African language in the 130 years since the formation of the 'Genootskap vir Regte Afrikaners' (GRA)," it said in a statement on Monday.

The GRA was established in Paarl on August 14 1875 by a group of Afrikaans speakers from the region.

It published a number of books, including grammars, dictionaries, religious material and histories.

"The ANC reaffirms its commitment to the protection and promotion of Afrikaans as it remains committed to the affirmation and promotion of all South Africa's languages, particularly its other indigenous languages.

"On the occasion of this important anniversary, the ANC calls for the strengthening of partnerships to ensure the development of South Africa's indigenous languages to realise the full potential of all its people.

"Through the implementation of its policies and programmes, the ANC will continue to ensure that the rights of all South African languages are respected and that their equal promotion is encouraged and properly resourced," the ANC said.

- SAPA