AfriForum says at least 15 red flags were raised ahead of the University of the Free State’s approval of its new English-only language policy.

These included staff members warning against the policy’s unconstitutionality, and letters asking the institution to reconsider implementing the policy.

They argued that the UFS council and senate failed to heed these warnings in pushing ahead with the policy, which they believe will infringe on the rights of students who wish to study in Afrikaans.

Advocate Jeremy Gauntlett, arguing on behalf of the UFS, said the right to mother tongue education, though enshrined in the constitution, is not absolute, and other factors, such as increased inclusivity and the prevention of racial conflict must also be taken into consideration.

He said the only departments exempt from the new policy are education and theology, as the majority of students in these departments are Afrikaans speaking and plan to work in Afrikaans communities.

Judgment has been reserved.