A viral TikTok video featuring Pretoria mother Awelani Khoaisi has sparked nationwide debate over Afrikaans language education, highlighting frustrations with placement policies within the Gauteng education system. Khoaisi's video, where she expresses her discontent over her English-speaking son being placed at an all-Afrikaans-speaking school, has struck chords with many across South Africa.
"He is enrolled in an Afrikaans school—not an Afrikaans school where they teach some subjects in English, but where all subjects are taught in Afrikaans, except English itself," Khoaisi said. This situation puts her son at Laerskool Hermanstad at significant disadvantage as it poses not just normal academic hurdles but adds the complexity of language barriers since he only speaks English.
Speaking to The Star, Khoaisi elaborated on her experience, explaining her attempts to register her child at five different schools as early as July 2024, when the online registration opened. Much to her surprise, all applications were rejected during the placement process, leaving her with limited options.
Upon reapplying when registrations reopened later, she was forced to select only one school. "I went to the school on Monday, and that's when the receptionist informed me it was an all-Afrikaans school. I said, ‘Huh, what do you mean?’ and they explained all subjects are taught in Afrikaans, with English offered only as second language," she recounted.
Confusion escalated when Khoaisi realized her son had been placed at Laerskool Hermanstad just two days before schools reopened on January 15. Her emotional response manifested as she recounted the initial shock at discovering her son’s school entirely operates in Afrikaans—a language he does not understand.
After notifying the school of the language barrier, she had to arrange assistance from someone proficient in Afrikaans to help complete the necessary forms. Khoaisi’s struggle continued as she sought intervention from the Gauteng Department of Education. "The GDE only intervened when I was interviewed by Phalaphala FM," she pointed out, sharing her disappointment over the spokesperson’s claim implying she had intentionally enrolled her child at this school.
"I did not understand where he was coming from. I’m not fighting with the department, maybe it’s because I am vocal," Khoaisi expressed, reflecting her feelings about the GDE’s comments. Steve Mabona, the spokesperson for the GDE later stated, "The GDE is aware of the video... which occurred as per our placement criteria and process emanated from the parent’s requirements..."
While Khoaisi declined the GDE's offer for alternative placement after discussions with their office, she expressed her determination to embrace the challenge. "I told them I was going to embrace the challenge, as my son is a non-English speaking child, but he learned how to speak the language; he will also learn how to speak Afrikaans," she stated, displaying commendable resolve.
Following up on her video, Khoaisi reported receiving overwhelming support from the community, especially from Afrikaans speakers, eager to help her son learn the language. She mentions, "We’ve received the utmost support from the country... I think I might need to open a WhatsApp group to accommodate everyone who wants to help," epitomizing the strong community spirit rallying behind her.
The situation has not only prompted discussions surrounding Afrikaans language education but also has drawn attention to broader issues of accessibility and the need for inclusive education practices within South African schools. Khoaisi's experience reflects the challenges many parents face when dealing with language policy and educational practices.
This incident, combining frustration, resilience, and community support, serves as a catalyst for greater engagement and dialogue related to language education. The growing responses also highlight the urgent need for discussions around how schools can accommodate diverse linguistic backgrounds, ensuring every child has equal access to education.