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AFRICAN BLACK LANGUAGE

3 Jun 2011 15:576 commentsBizLike

I would like clarity on the Meaning of an "AFRICAN BLACK LANGUAGE". Particularly used by Recruitment Agencies I find it derogatory and racist.

Would you use the same description be used such as "AFRICAN WHITE LANGUAGE" when describing ethnicity in a non-equity based advertisement such as below?

"Your go-getter attitude, professionalism and ability to communicate eloquently will get you noticed. Matric, proficiency in MS Office and ability to type 40 wpm is essential. Ability to speak an African Black language is an absolute must! Change your destiny today! Contact Roxanne de Vos at DAV Professional Placement Group: Phone (021) 461-7094"

Are these the kind of terms used by recruiters and agencies today - Is this socially and politically acceptable practice?

Forum created by Lebo Motaung


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	Rishanth Hurdeen I c nothing wrong with it, except for the fact that AFRIKAANS is a language that is only spoken in SA, and yes i categorize it AS an African White Language. If we look into things and try to find fault in everything thats said we could never move forward in this country.... Posted on 4 Jun 2011 19:54 1 person likes this Like Reply Report
	Rishanth Hurdeen Nondumiso, I am sorry if you took my statement in the wrong way. We all make mistakes and DAV PPG have certainly made one here. However, my point simply was to emphasize that if we want to move forward then we should certainly look past some things, i am classified as a Black Male and we overlook things that are said by people that are higher in stature and are more involved with society. Of course not, i don't believe that Language is based on race. This interpretation of todays South Africa would be absurd. I have learned to let go of the fear from the past, ignore the trivial of the present and attempt to build positively for our generations of the future. Posted on 9 Jun 2011 22:46 2 people liked this Like Reply Report
	Nomdumiso With all due respect to Mr Rishanth Hurdeen... the only thing i got out of your statement is that it is acceptable for language to be based on race... Afrikaans can be easily spoken by a Black individual or coloured for that matter. It is because of that level of ignorance that this country is not moving forward. Posted on 6 Jun 2011 11:38 3 people liked this Like Reply Report
	Natasha Williams Dear Lebo, You are right and the sentence is not well worded, what we should have said is “…In addition to English, the ability to speak an African language…” as this is an inherent requirement of the job. Apologies if we caused any offence whatsoever, our intention was not to offend anyone. Warm regards, DAV Professional Placement Group Posted on 6 Jun 2011 12:00 1 person likes this Like Reply Report
	bobbster Yes I think they should have also included the salary and benefits as well, if they put more info in then it would narrow their search for the correct candidate. I don't think that it is derogatory or racist as those are the requirements. I cant speak a Black African Language very well, and if that is what is required when briefing staff or colleagues, well maybe you are not the person for the job. Maybe if you look at the ad again and see that you dont fit the requirements - move on, apply what you are qualified for, why would you want to work in a place where you cant even communicate. Don't get all emotional, South Africans are tougher than that, but use you head ok, there are other vacancies out there, you may even come across a nice place to work. Change your attitude, if you are a part of the new generation you should be well aware that there is no space for racism here. U umlungu! Posted on 6 Jun 2011 14:03 Like Reply Report
	Nomdumiso Well, the good that came out of it is “food for thought” also bringing the context into light. I think we need to communicate and educate each other on social descriptions. The lack of knowledge does border on ignorance combined with lack of exposure. I think a lot of people these days are not hundred percent sure what a wrong or right way of saying something is when it comes to our social denominations. I feel it’s important to mention them and impressed at the type of platform you chose (opening a forum) You go girl! It does not necessarily have to be in a militant way, but the bluntness of it will/has definitely make and has made a change. I am happy that the company has realised their fault, and hopefully others who do the same will rectify that in their everyday life too. As a state We only ruled out the obvious derogatory terms, while not realising that there is more on the ground . I think as we grow as a country, we should highlight these issues that Almost seem petty and simple but can come across as condescending. We need more constructive forums within the corporate environment. Posted on 6 Jun 2011 16:56 1 person likes this Like Reply Report

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