English in the South African language-in-education policy on higher education

This article investigates the perceptions of students at the University of South Africa towards the languages of learning and teaching (media of instruction). Data obtained from both individual interviews and focus groups indicated that students have an overwhelming preference for English as the primary medium of instruction at the university, even though the language poses various challenges for them. Students showed mixed views about the role of African languages as languages of learning and teaching. The issue of choice is influenced by socio-historical factors, instrumental motivation, and concerns about the impracticality of introducing all 11 official languages as media of instruction.