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The centenary of Afrikaans as an official language

13 May 2025 | Story Dr Francois Smith | Photo Supplied

Opinion article by Dr Francois Smith, Head of Department: Afrikaans and Dutch; German and French, University of the Free State

On 8 May 1925, the writer CJ Langenhoven introduced a bill in the parliament of the then Union of South Africa that led to Afrikaans being recognised as one of the country’s official languages, alongside English. It is this historic moment that marks the centenary being celebrated today. However, the language itself predates its official status by centuries. The roots of Afrikaans can be traced back to the 1500s, during the first interactions between European sailors and the indigenous Khoi-Khoi people. What makes the origin of Afrikaans particularly significant is that it developed on African soil, shaped by the contact and exchange between European colonists, enslaved people brought from Africa and Asia, and the local Khoi population. Afrikaans is, therefore, a uniquely South African creation – a rich tapestry of diverse influences. It is this diversity, this cultural and linguistic fusion, that is truly worth celebrating.

It is evident that Afrikaans did not begin as a fully developed written language. Some of the earliest recorded instances of written Afrikaans date back to the 1830s, when Muslim imams used Arabic script to communicate with their pupils in Afrikaans in religious schools. A more formal effort to establish Afrikaans as a written language emerged in 1875 with the founding of the Genootskap van Regte Afrikaners (Society for Real Afrikaners), which played a pivotal role in standardising and promoting written Afrikaans.

The Dutch language

During the Anglo-Boer War (1899-1902), the two Boer republics – the Zuid-Afrikaansche Republiek and the Orange Free State – were defeated by the British Empire. In the aftermath of this conflict, efforts were made to unite the two British colonies, the Cape Colony and Natal, with the former Boer republics into a single political entity. This led to the National Convention, where representatives negotiated the constitution for what would become the Union of South Africa. Given the dominant position of Britain, the prevailing influence of English-speaking authorities in the Cape and Natal, and the Anglophile stance of many British leaders, it would have been reasonable to expect the new Union to adopt English as its sole official language. However, due to the tireless advocacy of figures such as former President MT Steyn and General JBM Hertzog, the resulting South Africa Act of 1909 – passed by the British Parliament – stipulated that ‘the Dutch language’ would share official status with English in the Union. This was a significant victory for the preservation of Dutch (and later, Afrikaans) in the political and administrative life of the country.

The ‘Dutch’ used in South Africa at the time, particularly among ordinary people, was far from uniform and bore little resemblance to the Standard Dutch of the Netherlands. Very few South Africans were proficient in writing formal Dutch. Meanwhile, Afrikaans had only just begun the process of standardisation in the years following the formation of the Union. In many cases – especially in written contexts – the language appeared as a hybrid of spoken Afrikaans and formal Dutch, or what was loosely referred to as ‘Hollands’. Recognising this linguistic shift, figures such as CJ Langenhoven began advocating for Afrikaans to be recognised as a full-fledged language, particularly as a standardised orthography began to take shape. Langenhoven and his contemporaries likely understood that the continued use of Standard Dutch in South Africa was untenable. Thanks to their dedication, a joint session of the Volksraad and the Senate was held on 8 May 1925, during which Act No. 8 of 1925 was passed. This legislation clarified that the term ‘Hollands’, as used in South African legal and governmental contexts, also encompassed Afrikaans – marking a pivotal moment in the formal recognition of the language.

A necessary consequence of the 1925 legislation was that Afrikaans, now recognised as an official language, had to rapidly develop in areas such as orthography, terminology, and grammatical consistency. Subsequent constitutions – specifically those of 1961 and 1983 – further entrenched the status of Afrikaans by extending the use of both official languages to the provincial level. Because Afrikaans was now required to operate on equal footing with a global language such as English across all spheres of government, the development of a standardised variety became essential. This standard form enabled the state not only to fulfil its constitutional obligations but also to communicate effectively with a significant portion of the population.

Most South Africans not first-language English speakers

Today, South Africa officially recognises twelve languages, following the recent addition of South African Sign Language. While earlier constitutions explicitly outlined the functions and domains of the official languages, the 1996 Constitution is notably more open-ended. It mandates that the state must take "practical and effective measures" to elevate the status and promote the use of all official languages, and that they must be treated equitably and enjoy equal status. However, these provisions are vague and lack clear implementation guidelines or enforceable obligations. Unlike earlier frameworks that prescribed specific uses and provided mechanisms for accountability, the current constitutional language leaves much to interpretation. As a result, and in the absence of meaningful incentives or enforcement, English has become the de facto sole language of government, undermining the ideal of multilingualism and linguistic fairness envisioned in the Constitution.

The reality that most South Africans are not first-language English speakers means that a significant portion of the population has limited access to essential information, which in turn restricts their ability to fully participate in the country’s economic, educational, and social opportunities. This linguistic barrier perpetuates inequality and undermines the goals of inclusive development. One of the pressing challenges facing the current government is, therefore, strikingly similar to that which confronted the Union government a century ago with respect to Afrikaans: the need to actively develop all of South Africa’s official languages. Only through dedicated investment in their growth and functional application can these languages truly operate as instruments of democracy, equality, and social justice.

The development of human potential and the advancement of science and technology are among the foremost priorities of the current South African government. However, these goals are unattainable without language – spoken or written – as the foundation for communication. More specifically, the absence of well-developed scientific languages renders scientific and technical communication ineffective. This reality places increasing demands on South Africa’s official languages, requiring the creation and maintenance of robust, multilingual terminology across a wide range of disciplines. Ensuring that all languages are equipped to handle specialised knowledge is essential for equitable access to education, innovation, and national development.

Due to the dominance of English, South Africa’s other official languages face significant challenges in developing technical vocabulary and keeping pace with the demands of a rapidly evolving modern world. One notable achievement in Afrikaans is the Woordeboek van die Afrikaanse Taal (WAT), a comprehensive dictionary project that began in 1926 and, despite minimal state support, continues to progress toward its final volume, expected in 2028. This kind of initiative should serve as a model for all of South Africa’s official languages. Scientific and technological knowledge must be made accessible in every language, ensuring they are equipped to function effectively across all levels of society. When a language loses functional domains, its practical value diminishes, its cultural sphere contracts, and its speakers are more likely to shift towards a language perceived as more useful.

News Archive

During 2011: Highlights at the UFS

2011-12-01

2011 was a phenomenal year in the life of the University of the Free State and the memorable moments will be engraved in the history of this proud institution.

World Universities Forum honours the UFS

The UFS was awarded the World Universities Forum (WUF) Award for Best Practice in Higher Education during 2010.The Best Practice Award recognises the most significant practices of the year around the world. The university’s implementation of a number of interlocking innovations to transform the institution is recognised with the award.

These innovations include: campus-wide racial integration for students; reinvigoration of the academic culture; nurturing of the most promising young scholars by means of the Vice-Chancellor's Prestige Young Scholars Programme; sending 71 first-year students to top American universities to assist with their development into non-racial campus leaders; the revision of the undergraduate curriculum to promote a cross-disciplinary approach to key societal problems; raising the entry requirements; the facilitation of open access to campus leadership through sessions with the Vice-Chancellor and Rector; extension of this spirit of dialogue internationally through the inauguration of its International Advisory Council consisting of key thinkers and practitioners; the identification of 20 of the most dysfunctional high schools in the Free State and the building of relationships with those schools.

This university-school partnership is based on a strict contract of reciprocal commitments to increase the chances of black children attending university. The WUF applauded this as the most innovative step.

New branding for our 107-year old institution

Our university turned a fresh new page with the launch of a new brand that will take the institution on its path to new horizons.

Two primary brands were adopted – an evolved academic crest and a new marketing brand for the institution’s offerings and services. The very foundation of the UFS is built on a dynamic learning environment where academic excellence and the development of leadership qualities. The new brand seeks to adapt to the changing needs of society, without sacrificing its rich history and heritage.

The rebranding process involved one of the most expansive and intensive process of consultations with staff, alumni, Senate, Council and other stakeholders.

The new brand is anchored in the university’s renewed motto “In Veritate Sapientiae Lux” (In Truth is the Light of Wisdom), which has been evolved to embrace the diversity of the community at the university without losing its essence.

Archbishop Desmond Tutu receives an honorary doctorate

One of the great sons of Africa, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu, received an honorary doctor of Theology and opened the International Institute for Studies in Race, Reconciliation and Social Justice on the Bloemfontein Campus at the beginning of 2011.

The Institute originated in the Reitz incident of 2008 and embodies the UFS’s determination to be a place where reconciliation, forgiveness and social justice would not only be studied, but where it would also be applied. Students and scholars from across the world can study the theory and practice of building societies across the boundaries of race, as well as religion, gender, disabilities and national origin.

By honouring Dr Tutu, the UFS recognises the contribution he has made in the field of Theology through his teachings and the books he has written. The UFS not only honoured him as a moral and religious leader who has maintained his integrity as a Christian, but also as “a great son of South Africa who has made a huge contribution to peace, reconciliation and justice in South Africa and in the world”.

Reconciliation closes book on the Reitz incident

The Reitz incident, that has taken the UFS to front pages and news headlines, could come to closure this year with a reconciliation ceremony between the former students and staff members. The parties involved could meet in private and also took part in a public ceremony with many dignitaries witnessing the closure of the incident and repercussions it had.

Messages of apology were read by Prof. Teuns Verschoor, Vice-Rector: Institutional Affairs, on behalf of the UFS, and Mr Danie Grobler, on behalf of the former students. A message of acceptance of the apologies was read by Ms Emmah Koko on behalf of the workers.

Deputy Chairperson of the South Africa Human Rights Commission, Commissioner Pregs Govender, said of this historic event: “The courage and compassion shown by the workers together with the students’ willingness to embrace the spirit of change have enabled a process of justice, transformation and reconciliation that is an inspiring example for South Africa.”

Grade 12s attend first Leadership Summit

More than 280 learners from all over South Africa and Namibia attended a three-day Leadership Summit on the Bloemfontein Campus in April 2011. The goal of the summit was to enable young leaders to develop their leadership capabilities by looking beyond their normal boundaries.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector, addressed the learners on leadership while Mr Louie de Necker, a training consultant, spoke about conflict resolution. Other highlights included a visit to the Boyden Observatory, picnic suppers, an introduction to residence life, a social evening, and a prize-giving ceremony aimed at learners who distinguished themselves as potential leaders during the three-day visit.

UFS honours great teachers

Our university and Sunday Times have joined hands in identifying 150 of the greatest teachers, who moved, inspired and transformed South Africans during their time at school. The project culminated in the book Great Teachers.

These are the teachers who stood out among their colleagues and made a lasting impact on their learners, inspiring them to excel, long after the mathematical equations and English literature tests are forgotten. The book is a powerful account of inspired and inspiring teachers.

All proceeds from the sales of the book will be used to provide bursaries to student teachers of today, who may become the great teachers for tomorrow’s generation.

Graduations now a celebration

By changing its format, graduations are now a festival to celebrate years of hard work and dedication of students and lecturers at our university. Some of the changes include the gathering of the procession on the Red Square in front of the Main Building, from where it moves to the Callie Human Centre. The graduation programme is also filled with music and song items with various young speakers addressing and inspiring the audience.

A total of 83 doctorates were conferred this year, making it the highest number in the history of the university.

African Student Affairs Conference a huge success

The first African Student Affairs Conference (ASAC) was hosted by our university. The conference was attended by delegates from universities across the continent and was aimed to place the focus on issues relating to student affairs in an African context.

Delegates shared and exchanged strategies, ideas and resources, and discussed issues related to the work of student-affairs professionals. A delegate from Nigeria said it was an important conference for Africa and it should become a regular event.

Research published in Nature

A research article on the work by a team under the leadership of Prof. Esta van Heerden, and counterparts in Belgium and the USA, has been published in the distinguished academic journal Nature on Thursday 2 June 2011.

The article – Nematoda from the terrestrial deep subsurface of South Africa – sheds more light on life in the form of a small worm (nematode) living under extreme conditions in deep, hot mines. It was discovered in one of the gold mines in the Free State.

The research can shed some new light on the possibility of life on other planets, previously considered impossible under extreme conditions. It also expands the possibilities into new areas where new organisms may be found.

Postgraduate School is one of a kind

Our Postgraduate School was launched with the aim of bringing research-bases education in line with national priorities and the focus of the UFS Academic Turnaround Strategy of 2010. It spans across our facilities.

The focus of the school is to produce graduates who are global citizens, research literate and able to reflect ethically on the purpose, process and product of research; to improve throughput rates of postgraduate students; and to make the experience of being a postgraduate at our university one which is stimulating, enjoyable and which contributes to the development of people beyond the limits of their disciplines.

Oprah Winfrey now a Kovsie

World attention was drawn to our university when an honorary doctorate in Education was conferred on media icon Oprah Winfrey on 24 June 2011 at our Bloemfontein Campus. The graduation was probably the biggest ceremony of its kind in South Africa, with more than 4 500 people attending.

Our university honoured her for her accomplishments and unparalleled work as a global media leader, as well as a philanthropist with vision and foresight in the field of education and development.

Prof. Jonathan Jansen, Vice-Chancellor and Rector of our university, said: “It is a great privilege for us to be the first South African university to honour Ms Winfrey in this way and to be able to recognise a global icon of her stature.”

UFS doctors make history in South Africa

Two procedures took the UFS to the forefront of the medical world this year.

History was made with the first implant of a special new aortic valve in South Africa. The advantage of this new valve is that it can be implanted percutaneously through a catheter from the groin. This eliminates the need for invasive surgery.

The valve is made from porcine pericardium (tissue derived from pigs) and is mounted on an expandable stent, which is threaded along an artery, until it reaches its desired position. The valve is especially useful in older patients who suffer from aortic valve disease and pose a high surgical risk. It also reduces hospitalisation time.

A rare malignant tumour was also removed in groundbreaking heart surgery. What makes this operation unique, is that the suspicious mass, identified in the heart of a 51-year old man, was rapidly growing into a highly invasive cardiac tumour seen in a small number of patients worldwide.

In the highly complex, 10-hour operation the entire right heart chamber had to be removed and the heart reconstructed.

School of Open Learning adds value

The activities of the new school are driven by a central principle: opening up access to those who have not had the opportunity to study at a higher-education institution due to geographical location, socio-economic circumstances or other factors.

Programmes are delivered through a blended-learning model, which blends contact teaching with distance education.

The school will collaborate with our various faculties, and is managing the continuing education-sponsored endeavours of the Faculty of Education. These include projects for in-service training of teachers in Mathematics, Natural and Physical Sciences, Languages, Literacy, Economic and Management Sciences, Technology and various areas of Management and Leadership.

Second group of young leaders abroad

A second group of first-year students in the Leadership for Change Programme visited universities in the USA, Europe and Asia. Our university could extent the programme to 150 students, up from 71 in 2010.

These students are seen as a leadership core, not only for their university life, but also in public life outside the university borders.

The main purpose behind the programme is to expose students to positive models of racial integration. Their experiences will go a long way towards changing and enriching the minds of young leaders, who have committed to building a truly non-racial society in South Africa.

Odeion School of Music launched

Our former Department of Music transformed into the Odeion School of Music. The name Odeion name portrays not only an excellent asset in the Free State, but also nationally and internationally.

The school’s new name bears the respected Odeion brand and a number of successful and respected ensembles operate under this brand. These include the residential Odeion String Quartet, student ensembles, the Junior Odeion String Quartet, the Odeion Sinfonia, and the Odeion Choir.

The formation of the school paths the way for more flexibility to complement its profile with new developments. These include the application of prestigious international experts as artistic fellows, membership to progressive European, jointly-developed degree programmes and curriculum development initiatives, the founding of a chair in Orchestra Conducting, a master’s degree in Arts Management, as well as the incorporation of bio-kinetics in the teaching methodologies of performance practice.

World-class Chemistry facilities opened

World-class Chemistry facilities, with state-of-the art equipment, opened on the Bloemfontein Campus.

The upgrading of the facilities and addition and replacement of equipment were the single biggest investment at our university in a long time.

Specialised research by the Department of Chemistry includes X-ray crystallography, electrochemistry, synthesis of new molecules, the development of new methods to determine rare elements, water purification, as well as the measurement of energy and temperatures responsible for phase changes in molecules, the development of agents to detect cancer and other defects in the body, and many more.

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