National Department of Human Settlements Proposed Language Policy, 2015

Summary

The National Department of Human Settlements (NDHS) of South Africa has drafted a comprehensive Language Policy to comply with the Use of Official Languages Act of 2012. This document identifies English, isiZulu, and Sepedi as the primary languages for government business while maintaining flexibility for other indigenous languages and South African Sign Language upon request. The policy aims to balance functional multilingualism with financial constraints, ensuring that the department communicates effectively with the public across various regions. It outlines specific procedures for accessing government publications, lodging complaints regarding language use, and appealing administrative decisions. Additionally, the text details the legislative mandate of the department and its various entities in facilitating sustainable housing for all citizens. This framework serves as a statutory guideline to promote linguistic inclusivity within the departments national operations and public service delivery.