In Conversation With Xhanti Mhlubulwana-Chief Director for Mothertongue Based Bilingual Education
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As South Africa commemorates International Mother Language Day, proclaimed by UNESCO, the Department of Basic Education (DBE) has reaffirmed its commitment to expanding Mother-Tongue Based Bilingual Education (MTbBE).
Despite South Africa recognising eleven official languages, fewer than 25% of learners — primarily English and Afrikaans speakers — receive sustained mother-tongue instruction beyond Grade 3. The majority of learners, whose home languages are African indigenous languages, transition prematurely to English or Afrikaans as Languages of Learning and Teaching (LoLT), often resulting in comprehension gaps, reduced confidence, and long-term academic disadvantage.
Despite South Africa recognising eleven official languages, fewer than 25% of learners — primarily English and Afrikaans speakers — receive sustained mother-tongue instruction beyond Grade 3. The majority of learners, whose home languages are African indigenous languages, transition prematurely to English or Afrikaans as Languages of Learning and Teaching (LoLT), often resulting in comprehension gaps, reduced confidence, and long-term academic disadvantage.
