The Intersection of Multiculturalism and Transformative Constitutionalism Section 29(2) of the Constitution and the Meaning of “Reasonably Practicable” within School Governance

Abstract

This article contributes to debates on language rights by evaluating the application of the “reasonably practicable” standard in section 29(2) of the Constitution. It focuses on the language policies of public schools in South Africa, particularly Afrikaans-medium institutions, and examines the constitutional and legal implications of state intervention under the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act 32 of 2024. By situating case law and policy within the broader frameworks of multiculturalism and transformative constitutionalism, the article highlights tensions between cultural preservation, racial integration, and equitable access to basic education.