SABS publishes voluntary national standard for plain language

The South African Bureau of Standards (SABS) in March adopted and published the South African National Standard (SANS) 24495 – Plain Language.

South Africa has been implementing the principles of plain language since the promulgation of the Consumer Protection Act of 2008.

SANS 24495 is adopted from the International Organisation for Standardisation (ISO).

“ISO 24495 was published towards the latter part of 2023 and South Africa then began the process to adopt and publish the standard locally. Even though South African institutions have been involved in the development and implementation of the principles of plain language, the South African standard will have far-reaching benefits into all aspects of communication,” SABS acting CEO Lungelo Ntobongwana.

SANS 24495 defines plain language as communication in which wording, structure and design are so clear that intended readers can easily find what they need, understand what they find and use that information.

The national standard provides guidelines and a checklist for writers, authors and content creators to ensure their documents, notices or visual representations meet the requirements for plain language.

Ntobongwana explains that documents include email, text files, podcasts, notices, Web pages, letters, manuals, newsletters, infographics, charts, diagrams, pictures and any multimedia that is intended for readers to find, understand and use information.

“It is important to note that the national standard is a voluntary standard and is not a legal requirement. While there are several Acts that include requirements for plain language, SANS 24495 is not yet referenced into compulsory specifications or legislation,” he points out.

“Organisations, writers, authors and content creators should implement the principles of plain language into their communication if they want to be relevant and reach audiences effectively,” Ntobongwana suggests.