The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has taken a major step in improving learning outcomes by implementing Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education (MTbBE) for Grade 4 Mathematics and Natural Sciences/Technology starting January 2025. This policy ensures that learners are taught in their home language while gradually transitioning to English or Afrikaans.

The initiative aligns with the South African Constitution, which promotes the elevation of indigenous languages and ensures that every child receives quality education in a language they understand. With the endorsement of the Minister of Basic Education, the implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education is now a key priority for the Department of Basic Education.

What is Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education?

Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education refers to a learning approach where children receive instruction in their first language (mother tongue) while gradually incorporating a second language. This ensures that learners grasp core academic concepts before fully transitioning to English or Afrikaans.

Key Features of Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education:

  • Bilingual Teaching: Subjects will be taught using the mother tongue while gradually integrating English/Afrikaans.
  • Translanguaging Approach: Teachers will alternate between languages to enhance understanding.
  • Focus on Grade 4 Subjects: Initially implemented in Mathematics and Natural Sciences/Technology.
  • Gradual Transition to English/Afrikaans: The percentage of English/Afrikaans instruction will increase over the years.

Why is Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education Important?

Research confirms that children learn better and faster when taught in a language they understand. The premature switch to English often hinders comprehension, leading to poor academic performance in subjects like Mathematics and Science. The implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education will bridge this gap.

Benefits of Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education:

  • Improved Academic Performance: Learners grasp concepts more effectively in their home language.
  • Higher Confidence Levels: Children feel more comfortable expressing themselves.
  • Cultural Identity Preservation: Encourages pride in indigenous languages and traditions.
  • Lower Dropout Rates: When learners understand their lessons, they are less likely to drop out.
  • Better Future Learning: Stronger foundations in early education lead to better performance in later grades.

Implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education in KwaZulu-Natal

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has outlined a structured approach to introduce Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education in 2025.

1. Rollout in Grade 4

  • All schools currently teaching Foundation Phase (Grades 1-3) in African languages must introduce Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education in Grade 4 starting in 2025.
  • The first subjects for implementation will be Mathematics and Natural Sciences/Technology.

2. Bilingual Teaching and Assessment

  • Lessons will be taught in the mother tongue with English/Afrikaans gradually incorporated.
  • Assessments will also follow a bilingual model, ensuring learners understand what is being tested.

3. Translanguaging in the Classroom

  • Teachers will alternate between languages to help learners comprehend complex topics.
  • Learners will progressively increase their exposure to English/Afrikaans while mastering subjects in their mother tongue.

4. Support for English/Afrikaans Medium Schools

  • Schools that currently teach in English or Afrikaans but have learners from African language backgrounds must adopt a dual-medium approach.
  • These schools must train teachers in bilingual instruction to ensure equal learning opportunities.

Phase 1: 2025-2028 Implementation Plan

The KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education has structured a progressive approach to increase English/Afrikaans instruction while ensuring African languages remain central to learning.

Subject Language Breakdown (2025-2028)

SubjectGrade 4Grade 5Grade 6Grade 7
Home Language (HL)AL/Eng/AfrAL/Eng/AfrAL/Eng/AfrAL/Eng/Afr
First Additional Language (FAL)AL/Eng/AfrAL/Eng/AfrAL/Eng/AfrAL/Eng/Afr
MathematicsAL 80% + EL 20%AL 70% + EL 30%AL 60% + EL 40%AL 50% + EL 50%
Natural Sciences & TechAL 80% + EL 20%AL 70% + EL 30%AL 60% + EL 40%AL 50% + EL 50%
Life SkillsEng/AfrEng/AfrEng/AfrEng/Afr (LO)
Social SciencesEng/AfrEng/AfrEng/AfrEng/Afr
Economic & Management Sciences (EMS)Eng/AfrEng/AfrEng/AfrEng/Afr

(AL = African Language, EL = English Language, Eng = English, Afr = Afrikaans, LO = Life Orientation)

Responsibilities of Schools and Teachers

To ensure a successful transition, both schools and educators must prepare for the Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education rollout.

Responsibilities of Schools

  • Update the School Language Policy to align with the new bilingual education model.
  • Train Teachers in bilingual and translanguaging techniques.
  • Ensure the availability of bilingual teaching materials.
  • Participate in readiness assessments to track progress.

Teachers’ Responsibilities

  • Create bilingual teaching materials.
  • Use translanguaging techniques to explain concepts effectively.
  • Assess students fairly, allowing them to express their knowledge in their mother tongue.
  • Attend training programs to enhance bilingual teaching skills.

Challenges and Solutions

1. Lack of Learning Materials

  • Challenge: Limited bilingual textbooks.
  • Solution: Government partnerships with publishers to produce quality resources.

2. Teacher Training

  • Challenge: Many teachers are not trained in bilingual education.
  • Solution: Professional development programs must be implemented.

3. Parental Resistance

  • Challenge: Some parents prefer English-only instruction.
  • Solution: Awareness campaigns on the benefits of Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education.

Related: Why Is My Child Still on the Waiting List? Understanding Common Placement Delays

The implementation of Mother Tongue-Based Bilingual Education in KwaZulu-Natal marks a historic shift in South African education. By teaching Mathematics and Natural Sciences/Technology in the mother tongue, learners will build a stronger academic foundation for future success.

This initiative aligns with South Africa’s commitment to linguistic diversity and quality education for all learners. The gradual transition to bilingual education will empower students, enhance learning outcomes, and preserve indigenous languages.

For more information, contact the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education:
📧 Email: Sindi.Zakuza@kzndoe.gov.za | Nontobeko.Zuma@kzndoe.gov.za
📍 Address: 228 Pieter Maritz Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3201

Share.