Translation as an activity of language policy implementation: A myth or reality at the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality

Abstract

This paper examines how the translation services, as articulated in the language policy and plan of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality, is used as a language policy implementation strategy and in facilitating public participation. The development of South African official languages is seen as critical in ensuring participatory democracy, where citizens are expected to participate meaningfully to ensure equity of access (South African Municipality Systems Act of 2000). Whereas the City of Tshwane Metropolitan Municipality has done some noticeable work about the promotion of multilingualism and the usage of official languages within the City, lack of visibility of translated documents amongst residents and in its offices needs to be revisited. The key question that this paper asks is ‘whether citizens can access or are provided with information they need in the language they understand so that they can take part in the public decision-making in a meaningful way’.

The key question is answered by analysing data from the various interviews conducted with the residents from the various regions of the municipality and staff in the language unit of the City of Tshwane Metropolitan municipality and document analysis of the various language documents. Some of the key findings in the paper indicate that translation is not properly used as a tool to facilitate equitable access to municipal information and services. The findings of this paper give policymakers and those tasked with language policy implementation in municipalities proper guidance on how to assess and determine the extent to which translation activities contribute to corpus planning thus ensuring the right of citizens to participate in, and contribute to the social, cultural, economic and political life of South African society.