Two foreign language subjects coming to Gauteng schools
The Gauteng premier has voiced ambitions to include two foreign languages as subjects in public schools.
Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has unveiled an ambitious plan to introduce Swahili and Mandarin as subjects in the province’s public schools.
Announced during Unisa’s 25th International Mother Language Day event in Pretoria, this initiative aims to equip students with linguistic skills that will help them navigate an evolving global economy, particularly in light of China’s growing economic influence.
Lesufi stressed the importance of multilingualism in ensuring that young South Africans remain competitive in Africa’s shifting economic landscape.
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"Swahili and Mandarin, we are going to announce in our State of the Province Address, will be subjects offered to our children in Gauteng so we can participate in other economies," he said.
The premier further highlighted China’s expanding role in global trade and the need for South African students to be prepared for new economic realities.
"We are now, as the Gauteng government, of the view that the time has arrived for new big players in the economy, and these include China. If we have to compete in that space, our children in the classroom must be given an option to learn the language and take advantage of their positioning in Africa."
According to TimesLIVE, the introduction of Mandarin as a school subject has been in the works for nearly a decade.
In 2015, former Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga issued a government notice confirming that Mandarin would be offered as a subject choice for pupils in Grades 4 to 9.
This decision aligned with South Africa's broader efforts to strengthen educational and economic ties with China, with support from the Chinese government.
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On the other hand, the move to introduce Swahili reflects a commitment to fostering closer ties with the rest of the African continent.
Swahili, an official language of the East African Community, is spoken by millions across the continent and is regarded as a key language for African integration.
"The introduction of Kiswahili as a Second Additional Language in the National Curriculum Statement will go a long way towards decolonising education in South Africa," Motshekga previously stated.
"It will promote social cohesion and assist in the AfCFTA [African Continental Free Trade Area] to unify Africa as a single market."
Although the COVID-19 pandemic delayed initial plans to pilot Swahili between 2021 and 2023, the Department of Basic Education remains committed to rolling out the language in schools.
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