Hlulani Masingi

Representation of Minority Languages by the Sabc: a Case Study of Xitsonga Language Hlulani Masingi

The development of indigenous languages by the South African Broadcasting Corporation (SABC) has always been complex given its historical development. The broadcasting institution was developed as a bastion for the government and only developed the English and Afrikaans languages. The South African indigenous languages were used in regional radio stations for black audiences with a view of providing propaganda interests of the apartheid system. In 1994 when South Africa obtained its independence the broadcasting policy was reformed in order to develop other native languages equally with the ones that enjoyed coverage on television during the apartheid era. However, not all indigenous languages receive equal coverage on South African television, minority languages are somewhat represented. This study uses Xitsonga language as a case study to investigate the extent to which minority languages are represented by the SABC and the way they are used. The SABC?s editorial policy, states that the SABC has committed itself into developing all the languages equally and using them correctly. The findings reveal that Xitsonga is not represented equally with other languages and is used improperly.