919 FM The Social Impact Show with Samm Marshall

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

BRICKS Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep3

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week: 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1.Corp4. Tata’s Digital Nerve Centre Is Revolutionizing Rural Health From the Ground…
18 Aug 2 min

European Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep3

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week: 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1.HEC Paris Launches Immersive CSR Scenario 2.East London Firms Boost Community Capital…
18 Aug 3 min

African Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep3

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week: 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1.Evolving Corporate Social Investment in Africa Beyond Charity 2.High Atlas Foundation Drives…
18 Aug 3 min

Northern American Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep3

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week:\ 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1. Study Finds Strategic CSR Yields Greater Impact in Hospitality Sector 2…
18 Aug 2 min

BRICKS Social Impact Round Up Stories Ep2

Every Weekday at 9:30, we bring you the Social Impact Roundup Stories —your go-to spotlight on the innovators, deals, and movements driving real change across the continent. Here’s what’s making waves this week: 💡 This Week’s Top Stories: 1.Amazon Bioeconomy Gains Traction as Deforestation Solution 2.Suzano Aligns Sustainability with Profit…
18 Aug 3 min
All episodes