Basic Education minister says mother-tongue language should not be a barrier to learning

Minister of Basic Education Siviwe Gwarube said mother-tongue should be a bridge, not a barrier to learning.

She highlighted the importance of mother-tongue education on International Mother Language Day, which was observed on Saturday.

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Gwarube noted that when learners are taught in a language they don’t fully understand, it affects their ability to grasp key subjects like literacy and mathematics.

To address this, the minister said the department is strengthening mother-tongue-based bilingual education to ensure all learners can fully understand the material being taught.

“On this day, I encourage parents to speak, read, sing to their children in their home language. And I encourage all of us to recognise that protecting and promoting our languages is part of building a more inclusive and equal society.”