Gauteng is taking steps to boost the educational curriculum by introducing Swahili and Mandarin as subjects aimed at ensuring economic growth through linguistic diversity, announced Gauteng Premier Panyaza Lesufi during the recent observance of International Mother Language Day. He emphasized this move as part of broader efforts to revive and promote Indigenous languages, drawing attention to the importance of multilingualism to the nation’s identity and economic participation.
Lesufi was the keynote speaker at the 25th International Mother Language Day event held at the University of South Africa (Unisa) where he articulated the value of teaching children additional languages to adapt to the changing global economy. The current school curriculum, he argued, needs to evolve to include languages like Swahili, spoken widely across several African countries, and Mandarin, which is predominant in China. "We are of the view, it is this intervention,": Lesufi declared, "that will assist us to stand strong and engage with international markets effectively."
Lesufi is slated to announce these language initiatives formally during the upcoming State of the Province Address, emphasizing his belief in education's role as the foundation of economic empowerment. He stated, "Languages are not just tools of communication; they are also economic assets." By investing in languages, he argues, the province sets the stage for troubleshooting the legacy of apartheid which severely marginalized many Indigenous languages.
Reflecting on the role of language through the lens of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act, Lesufi remarked, "If we don’t invest in our language, our languages will die. If we don’t invest in our writers, our language will die." This statement echoes the sentiment shared throughout the week of celebration, as various stakeholders highlighted how language impacts national identity and pride.
The Pan South African Language Board (PanSALB) reinforced these points, stressing the importance of learning each other's languages to encourage nation-building. Senior Provincial Manager Lufuno Ndlovu shared insights on the linguistic challenges facing the country, where 12 official languages coexist. He noted, "Our parents link English to excellence, but there’s a cost; we risk losing our identity." This sentiment reflects broader concerns about the societal preference for English over native languages and the cultural ramifications of such preferences. According to Ndlovu, this mindset not only affects cultural identity but also hinders the celebration of the nation’s rich linguistic diversity.
The impact of these language initiatives extends beyond the classroom. Lesufi indicated the Gauteng Provincial Government has allocated approximately R35 million to support language-based programs, including resources for young black writers publishing works in African languages. This funding intends to encourage new literature and reach students, enhancing the presence of Indigenous languages within schools.
The recent successes at the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls, which achieved top results in Sesotho during the matric exams, showcase the potential for language to empower students and connect them to their cultural roots. Educators from the school reaffirm the academy's commitment to upholding diverse languages as vehicles for individual and collective success.
Cultural Expert Dr Mpho Monareng emphasized the importance of mother tongue education during her interview with Newzroom Afrika, stating, "The first way of destroying you is to attack your language and watch you shrink..." Monareng articulated how language shapes worldview, stating, "The language you are introduced to the world with is the lens by which you see it." Underlining UNESCO’s alarming statistic indicating around 40% of languages worldwide face extinction risks, she called for urgent attention to preserve linguistic diversity.
Overall, the discussions surrounding International Mother Language Day underline the urgency of nurturing South Africa's linguistic heritage. Advocates for these initiatives believe strong governmental support, community engagement, and educational reforms can collectively work to rejuvenate Indigenous languages, ensuring their place not only within homes but also throughout the nation's economic framework.