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Education activist Hendrick Makaneta welcomed the ruling by the Supreme Court of Appeal on the language policy at the University of Free State.  “The court upheld an appeal by the university against a ruling of the full bench of the high court in Bloemfontein in July last year‚ which reviewed and set aside the decision by the university to adopt the new policy as unlawful.”

Makaneta said the ruling was a victory for the majority of students who understand English far much better than Afrikaans.
“We appeal to structures such as Solidarity and Afriforum to accept that English as a primary medium of instruction is in the best interest of all our students including our fellow students from the Afrikaner community” Makaneta said.

“The reality is that English as a language is understood by the vast majority of our students as opposed to Afrikaans which is understood by only a few.”Makaneta added. Makaneta pointed out that it is not too late for Afriforum to join all South Africans to build a united, democratic and prosperous South Africa where all people can live peacefully with one another without unnecessary quarrels.

We appeal to Afriforum to assist the country in fighting racism instead of spending more resources on court cases.

The battle for the control of former White institutions has been a long one, with many casualties in the process. It is time to cease fire and allow our students to study in peace, especially during this challenging period of trying to find more funds for free education, Makaneta said.

Issued by education activist Hendrick Makaneta