In an exciting development for South Africa’s education system, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) is set to roll out mother-tongue-based bilingual education for Grade 4 learners starting in 2025. The announcement, made by former Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, has been hailed as a significant policy shift that could bring about transformational change for children, particularly in subjects like mathematics, science, and technology. This move will ensure that learners are taught in their mother tongue, a shift that aims to enhance their learning outcomes and provide better educational opportunities for all South African children.

Why This Policy Change Matters

Currently, South African children are taught in their mother tongue from Grade R to Grade 3. However, from Grade 4 onwards, most learners are required to switch to English as the language of instruction, a policy that has been under scrutiny for many years. Research and assessment results have shown that this transition is one of the primary reasons behind the significant decline in performance as children move through the education system. The language barrier often leads to difficulty in understanding complex subjects such as mathematics and science, especially for learners whose home languages are not English or Afrikaans.

The DBE’s new initiative aims to address this issue by maintaining mother-tongue education through Grade 4, enabling children to continue learning in a language they fully understand. Motshekga emphasized the positive impact that learning in a child’s home language has on their cognitive development and academic performance. Studies have consistently shown that children who are taught in their mother tongue have better retention and comprehension, leading to improved learning outcomes across subjects.

Benefits of Mother-Tongue-Based Education

Improved Academic Performance: Research has consistently demonstrated that children perform better when taught in their first language. By using their mother tongue to study complex subjects such as mathematics and science, learners can grasp concepts more easily and apply them more effectively. Early exposure to subjects in a language they understand builds a strong foundation, which is crucial for later academic success.
Equity in Education: One of the major advantages of this policy shift is its potential to reduce the inequality in South Africa’s education system. Currently, learners in rural or underserved areas, who speak indigenous languages, often struggle to keep up in subjects taught in English. By implementing mother-tongue-based bilingual education, the playing field is levelled, ensuring that all learners, regardless of their language background, have an equal chance to succeed.
Support for Local Languages: The new policy not only benefits learners but also promotes the use and development of indigenous South African languages. In the past, these languages have often been considered inferior, but this shift demonstrates that they can be used effectively in teaching and learning. Institutions like the University of KwaZulu-Natal are already working on developing technical terminology for subjects like science and mathematics, ensuring that these languages are equipped to handle complex academic content.
Cognitive Benefits: Learning in a familiar language helps children process information more easily, leading to better cognitive development. Being taught in a language they understand allows children to focus on the content of the lesson rather than struggling with the language of instruction.

The Rollout Plan and Future Assessments

The phased rollout of mother-tongue-based bilingual education will begin in January 2025, starting with Grade 4 learners. This initiative will be implemented incrementally across the country, with schools expected to be ready for the change by the start of the academic year. One of the significant features of the policy is the introduction of a national assessment for Grade 4 learners, which will replace the traditional year-end exams.

The new assessment will test pupils on their knowledge in mathematics, science, and technology, conducted in their mother tongue. It will count for 20% of the promotion mark, highlighting the importance of language in mastering these subjects. According to Dr. Mark Chetty, Director of National Assessment at the DBE, this change is expected to have a significant positive impact on the overall performance of learners.

Addressing Challenges and Building Capacity

While the policy shift is progressive, it does come with challenges. For one, there are currently no university programs in South Africa that train teachers to teach in indigenous languages, particularly in the foundation phase. Dr. Naledi Mbude-Mehana, Deputy Director-General for Transformation Projects, noted that many teachers currently translate lesson material for themselves, as they have not been trained to teach in vernacular languages. However, the DBE is working closely with universities and other stakeholders to address these gaps, ensuring that teachers receive the necessary training to implement the policy effectively.

Additionally, the Department is taking a phased approach to the rollout, which will allow schools to prepare for the change gradually. Some schools may already have teachers who are proficient in teaching in the mother tongue, while others may require more support to ensure the program’s success.

Looking Ahead: A Bright Future for South African Learners

The introduction of mother-tongue-based bilingual education for Grade 4 learners marks a pivotal moment in South Africa’s educational history. This change aligns the country with best practices from other nations, such as Germany and France, where children are taught in their native languages, contributing to better learning outcomes and stronger educational systems.

As South Africa prepares for this transformative shift, there is hope that this policy will not only improve the academic performance of learners but also foster a deeper appreciation for the country’s diverse languages and cultures. In the coming years, we may see a generation of students who are not only more proficient in mathematics, science, and technology but who also take pride in their mother tongue, contributing to a more inclusive and equitable education system.

The government’s focus on mother-tongue education ensures that learners are not just learning a subject but are doing so in a language that resonates with their identity, culture, and community. This initiative, starting in 2025, has the potential to reshape the future of South Africa’s education system for the better.