The South African government this year implemented its first phase of teaching African languages to all Grade 1 pupils in public schools. This, as the government wants to begin a gradual phasing in period starting with Grade 1s with the ultimate plan being for all grades to be taught African languages by 2029. As this may be the case, concerns have been raised on the slow development of African languages in the public and private domain; including in higher education. Experts say Sub Saharan Africa cannot effectively preserve and promote the cultures and histories of its people if it does not pay attention to the development of its indigenous languages. Furthermore doubts that African languages are fully developed and empowered enough to be able to operate in public and official domains effectively.
To help us unpack the discussion for the day, we are joined by:
• Angie Netshiheni is the Acting CEO of the Pan South African Language Board (in studio)
• Professor Monwabisi Ralarala is the Chairperson of the African Language Association of Southern Africa
• Naledi Mbude is the Director for Language Policy and Planning in the Eastern Cape in the Department of Education
