The IFP calls on the Minister of Basic Education to rather make African languages compulsory in schools than pushing for Mandarin to be taught in schools.
“This begs a question of whether schools in China will teach IsiZulu or other African languages, as the Minister has announced that some schools in Gauteng as from next year will teach Mandarin. More emphasis must be placed on preserving African languages than promoting other foreign languages,” said IFP Spokesperson on Education, Mr Alfred Mpontshane, MP.
“So why is it that we would invest more resources, more time of our teachers and children, to learn another foreign language and not an African language? It is also surprising that the department is pushing to introduce a foreign language when it is not clear if local vernacular languages are now compulsory in all schools,” continued Mr Mpontshane.
“The IFP will pursue this matter in Parliament because it feels that it is against the development of our education system,” concluded Mr Mpontshane.
Issued by:
Mr Alfred Mpontshane,
IFP National Spokesperson on Education, 083 441 6201