20 Dec 2019

Minister of Youth Empowerment, Sport and Culture Development, Mr Tumiso Rakgare has informed Parliament that his ministry does not have a policy on the development of orthographies for local languages.

He explained that researchers at the University of Botswana had developed orthographies for some of the languages in collaboration with the various ethnic groups including Setswana, Ikalanga, Shekgalagari, Thetswapong, Naro and Shiyeyi to mention a few.

He, however, said he could not put a timeline as to when orthographies for all local languages would be developed.

He said the ministry, however, continued to collaborate with various communities in order to promote their languages as a tool for development and integration.

Minister Rakgare also acknowledged that he was aware of the many languages spoken in Botswana, which ranged from 24 and 30 from established research including sign language.

Mr Rakgare was responding to a question from Francistown West Member of Parliament, Mr Ignitius Moswaane, who wanted to know if the minister was aware of the many languages spoken in Botswana and when the establishment of orthographies for all languages would take place. ends