KwaZulu-Natal embraces mother tongue education to boost learning outcomes
Durban — The Department of Education in KwaZulu-Natal has embarked on an ambitious journey to reshape educational experiences for pupils through the implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education (MTBBE).
The three-day workshop, which commenced last weekend at Anew Hotel-Ocean Reef in Zinkwazi, was focused on equipping subject advisers with the necessary tools to enhance the educational landscape across Mathematics, Natural Science, and Technology.
Chief Director of Curriculum Management for General Education and Training (GET), Sindi Zakuza-Njakazi, said that the workshop set a historic tone for education.
“Today marks a historic moment in the landscape of education. By the end of the day, we must have addressed the pivotal question: when our learners enter the classroom, are they able to access education fully?” she said.
She further emphasised the importance of achieving inclusive education and that it reflects an ongoing commitment by the department to the academic success of all pupils.
The Department of Education in its social media posts said the MTBBE initiative aims to promote the use of African languages as Languages of Learning, Teaching, and Assessment (LOLTA) beyond Grade 3. The Department further stated that this transformative approach is rooted in the recognition that educating in one’s mother tongue significantly enhances comprehension and retention of information for pupils.
The workshop featured several informative presentations, beginning with Zakuza-Njakazi discussing the rationale behind MTBBE. Following this, Senior Education Specialist for Natural Science, Zanele Nzuza, presented an outline on subject terminology as prescribed by the Department of Basic Education concerning Maths and Science, emphasising the importance of a clear lexicon to aid instructional clarity.
Zondi offered insights into bilingual teaching methodologies, sharing resources such as annual teaching plans, workbooks, and lesson plans aimed at supporting teachers in the implementation of the MTBBE framework. The focus was also on assessments tailored for bilingual classrooms, presented by Nokuthula Hlabisa from the uMkhanyakude District, ensuring that evaluations remain fair and informative.
The workshop speakers also included Professor Nobuhle Hlongwa from the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN), who highlighted the essential nature of mother tongue teaching for quality education. UKZN has pledged to support educators with resources necessary for successful bilingual education, signalling a collaborative effort for meaningful educational reform.
As the workshop progressed to its conclusion, calls for preparedness echoed throughout. Nosipho Mkhize, Director of Assessment, urged her colleagues to ensure that districts are adequately equipped for the MTBBE rollout.
“From here onwards, let us ensure that our districts are properly equipped to implement this remarkable programme,” she stated.
Subject advisers were tasked with readying curricular materials in IsiZulu and IsiXhosa, aiming to facilitate a smooth transition for Grade 4 educators and pupils at the academic year’s onset.
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