Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi has announced plans to introduce Swahili and Mandarin as subjects in the province’s public schools. The initiative aims to diversify the linguistic capabilities of South African students, preparing them for both African and global economic interactions. However, the move has been met with mixed reactions, with critics questioning the relevance of these languages in the local context.
The announcement was made at the 25th International Mother Language Day event in Pretoria on 21 February 2025, where Lesufi emphasized the importance of expanding South Africa’s language curriculum while also ensuring the survival of indigenous languages.
Lesufi’s Vision: Promoting Multilingual Education
Delivering his keynote address at the event, Lesufi highlighted the importance of equipping South African students with additional language skills. He noted that linguistic diversity plays a key role in global economic participation, stating:
“Swahili and Mandarin, we are going to announce in our State of the Province Address in Gauteng on Monday. These will be subjects that will be offered to our children in Gauteng.”
Swahili is a widely spoken language in East Africa and is regarded as a potential unifying African language. Mandarin, on the other hand, is the most spoken language in the world due to China’s global economic influence. Lesufi believes learning these languages could benefit South African students by opening doors to new opportunities.
Related: How to Apply for School Fee Exemptions in South Africa (2025)
The Debate: Why Mandarin in South Africa?
The proposal has triggered a wave of criticism, with many questioning why South African children need to learn Mandarin. The most common concerns raised by South Africans include:
- The practicality of Mandarin: Critics argue that Mandarin has little to no relevance in the daily lives of South Africans.
- Neglect of local languages: Some feel that introducing foreign languages may undermine the development and preservation of indigenous South African languages.
- The political angle: There are suspicions that the push for Mandarin is politically motivated, potentially linked to China’s growing influence in Africa.
On social media, many South Africans have expressed their confusion over the decision. Some questioned whether government resources should be spent on fixing the current education system instead of introducing new languages.
Emphasis on Local Languages
While the focus has been on Swahili and Mandarin, Lesufi has also reaffirmed his commitment to preserving indigenous South African languages. He acknowledged the threat of language extinction and emphasized the need for active investment in local language education.
“If we don’t invest in our language, our languages will die. If we don’t invest in our writers, our language will die.”
Lesufi revealed that the Gauteng provincial government allocates approximately R35 million to support language-based initiatives. This budget supports local authors who publish books in African languages, ensuring that young readers have access to indigenous literature in schools.
Public Reactions and Political Criticism
The reaction to Lesufi’s plan has been largely negative, with both ordinary citizens and political figures voicing strong opposition.
Solly Msimanga, the leader of the Democratic Alliance (DA) in Gauteng, accused Lesufi of prioritizing “populist policies” over practical solutions to pressing education challenges. Msimanga argued that the premier should be focusing on more urgent issues like:
- Overcrowded classrooms
- A lack of adequate learning materials
- Improving literacy in existing languages
- The crumbling infrastructure in many township schools
The DA leader criticized the government for what he called a “misplaced focus”, stating that introducing new languages won’t fix the foundational problems in South African schools.
Historical Context: Swahili in South Africa’s Education System
The discussion around Swahili in South African schools is not new. In 2018, the Department of Basic Education announced plans to introduce Swahili as an optional subject in schools by 2020. The idea was to promote African unity and cultural integration.
However, the plan faced implementation delays, and many schools never officially adopted Swahili into the curriculum. Lesufi’s latest announcement seems to revive and expand the initiative, this time adding Mandarin into the mix.
What Are the Benefits of Learning Swahili and Mandarin?
Despite the controversy, there are potential benefits to introducing these languages:
1. Strengthening African Unity Through Swahili
- Swahili is one of the most widely spoken languages in Africa, with over 100 million speakers across countries like Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and parts of the Democratic Republic of Congo.
- By learning Swahili, South African students could engage more easily with other African nations, fostering stronger economic and cultural ties.
2. Global Economic Opportunities with Mandarin
- China is one of South Africa’s largest trade partners, and understanding Mandarin could provide economic advantages.
- Students with Mandarin proficiency could increase their job prospects in industries like trade, tourism, and international business.
3. Cognitive and Educational Advantages
- Learning multiple languages has been linked to better problem-solving skills, cognitive flexibility, and cultural awareness.
- Countries like Kenya and Tanzania have already incorporated multilingual education into their schooling systems successfully.
Concerns and Challenges of Implementation
While the benefits of multilingual education are clear, there are significant challenges that could impact the successful rollout of Swahili and Mandarin in Gauteng schools:
- Teacher Availability – South Africa currently lacks enough qualified Swahili and Mandarin teachers.
- Resources and Funding – Schools may struggle to find the necessary textbooks and learning materials.
- Student Interest and Relevance – Will South African students and parents embrace these languages, or will they prefer to focus on existing local languages?
Is This the Right Move?
Panyaza Lesufi’s plan to introduce Swahili and Mandarin in Gauteng schools is bold and controversial. While the move could provide South African students with new global opportunities, it also raises concerns about relevance, funding, and the preservation of indigenous languages.
South Africans remain divided on the issue. Some see it as a visionary step towards a multilingual, globally competitive education system, while others view it as a distraction from more urgent education crises.
The ultimate question is: Will this initiative truly benefit South African students, or is it an unnecessary addition to an already struggling education system?
