Compulsory African language plan faces more hurdles

THERE has been progress on the ANC’s push for all schools to teach at least one compulsory African language.

But this may be hindered by slow progress with the plan to reopen teacher training colleges, scores of which were closed between 1995 and 2000 as the new government sought to make a decisive break with apartheid-era Bantu education.

The party’s discussion documents for the national general council admit that plans to revive the sector have stalled.

The document, which will inform discussions ahead of the ANC’s national general council in October, says the Department of Basic Education has commenced with implementing its programme on indigenous languages.

“A report on the state of development on policy on indigenous African languages… will be considered by the (ANC education) subcommittee in 2015,” the document reads.

It was decided in 2013 to introduce a compulsory indigenous language. But the plan hit a number of speed bumps such as finding enough teachers, as well as money to pay them. But it appears the ANC may now have to consider other hurdles.

The document says the most important limiting factor to reopening former colleges is the absence of enabling policy and legislative framework.

“Another factor is lack of funding,” it reads.