Breaking the Language Barrier: Why South Africa’s Courts Are Failing Millions | Dr. Zakeera Docrat

Loading player...
This week on The Social Impact Show, forensic linguist Dr. Zakeera Docrat exposes how South Africa’s English-only court policy denies justice to millions—and reveals Chief Justice Mandisa Maya’s bold plan to fix it.

🔍 Key Takeaways:
The 2017 policy crisis: How declaring English the sole language of record created a "justice desert" for non-English speakers.
Groundbreaking solutions: Why bilingual judgments (e.g., isiXhosa + English) could be the first step to reform.
AI vs. human interpreters: Dr. Docrat’s surprising verdict on technology’s role in courtrooms.

Historic conference wins: How Africa’s first Forensic Linguistics summit is reshaping legal practice globally.

💡 Why Listen?
"Language isn’t just words—it’s the difference between freedom and prison." — Dr. Docrat on courtroom inequality.
"We’re piloting change in provinces now. In 10 years, every South African must understand their trial."
🎧 Listen Now → Then share this episode with #LanguageJusticeSA

#ForensicLinguistics #AccessToJustice #Multilingualism #SouthAfrica
10 Jul English South Africa Business · Non-Profit

Other recent episodes

Tomorrow’s Future Today | Tidimalo Sehlako on Fighting Food Insecurity & Inspiring Hope

On The Social Impact Show with Sam Marshall, we spotlight the launch of the Blu Burd Foundation’s new CSI initiative, Tomorrow’s Future Today, happening on 12 September at Zuurbekom Intermediate School. Founded by Tidimalo Sehlako—TV presenter, model, actress, yoga instructor, and humanitarian—the initiative partners with Tiger Brands, Fight Club, and…
10 Sep 15 min

Innocence Lost | Using Theatre to Fight Human Trafficking & Protect Our Youth

On The Social Impact Show with Sam Marshall, we explore how the Naledi Award-winning play Innocence Lost is using the power of theatre to raise awareness about human trafficking—one of the most devastating yet preventable social issues affecting young people today. Director Thando Msibi—an accomplished theatre-maker, spiritual healer, and teacher…
10 Sep 16 min

Rethink Your Drink | Tackling Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder in South Africa

On The Social Impact Show with Sam Marshall, we spotlight Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD)—South Africa’s most urgent yet preventable public health crisis. With some of the highest rates in the world, FASD affects as many as 1 in 3 children in certain communities. Joining the conversation is Kashifa Ancer,…
10 Sep 16 min