MONDAY, 9.00PM:
THE official record of Parliament will in future be published in four languages, rather than just in English, it has been proposed.
Hansard will be published in English and Afrikaans with immediate effect. From the beginning of next year’s session, it will also be produced in one Nguni language, and one Sotho language, the intervening time being necessary to establish the necessary organisation.
Certain documents will be produced in four languages in the interim. Opposition parties protested earlier this year when it was suggested Hansard be exclusively English — the Constitution provides for 11 official languages. The total cost of the new policy could be as much as R5,212-million.
Parliament’s presiding officers — headed by National Assembly Speaker Dr Frene Ginwala and NCOP chairman Patrick Lekota — urge a quick decision to help speed preparations for the new Hansard.