Pretoria – Cabinet has welcomed the incremental introduction of an African language in Grade R and Grade 1 where such languages are not yet offered.
It has encourages all South Africans to learn an indigenous language as it promotes multilingualism and fosters nation-building, says Public Service and Administration Minister Lindiwe Sisulu at a post-Cabinet briefing on Thursday.
The Department of Basic Education recently announced that all schools will now offer an African language to all learners from Grades R to 9.
It is preparing for the implementation of African languages in 2014 by phasing it in this year already in selected schools in each province. Based on this exercise, provinces will determine what is required for full scale implementation in 2014.
All provinces, through their Heads of Education, have committed to ensuring that African languages are implemented incrementally and effectively.
The implementation of African languages requires that all learners exit at Grade 9 level having learnt an African language for at least one phase.
It is perceived that African languages do not enjoy the same development and utility as English and Afrikaans. The department will therefore ensure that all African languages are equally developed and used by learners in the best interest of their learning and performance in their 12 years of schooling. – SAnews.gov.za
