Mandarin is imperialism, claims EFF

MPLs are divided on teaching of Chinese language in SA schools

THE PROPOSED introduction of Mandarin in South Africa’s public schools next year is a new form of colonialism and cultural imperialism in the country.

This was the assertion by EFF Gauteng leader Mandisa Mashego, who introduced the motion on the impending introduction of the Chinese language in local schools in the Gauteng legislature yesterday.

The motion left politicians in the legislature divided.

Mashego also lamented the “poor development of indigenous languages” and the prioritisation of Mandarin.

EFF MPL Ntobeng Ntobeng said: “It is the view of the EFF that the ruling ANC finds itself in a predicament to please its master at the expense of the future of our children.

“Since China is the biggest trader with our country, it has dominated the terms and conditions of our relationship such that our children must learn their language while they make no effort to learn our languages or culture.”

She added: “We are unable to see any reason or logic beyond the fact that China has turned us into her Guinea pigs because of its money, which hardly benefits our people.”

The debate followed after Minister of Basic Education Angie Motshekga had in February endorsed the teaching of Mandarin.

While the EFF members made references to words such as “colonialism” and “cultural imperialism”, they found an unlikely ally in the DA.

All the DA members but one cautiously avoided making ideological accusations against China. DA MPL and Tshwane designate mayor-elect Solly Msimanga came close to agreeing with the EFF’s accusations.

Msimanga has accused China of failing to employ local people in its factories in Gauteng.

“Visit all the Chinese malls, you will never see local people working there. It is the same in Zambia. Look at those Chinese people working on the copper belt there. They are the very same people building a tarred road from the airport to Kitwe,” he said.

“It really does seem that Minister Motshekga and (Higher Education) Minister (Blade) Nzimande are not reading from the same hymn sheet.

“Blade wants Zulu in varsities and Motshekga wants Mandarin in high schools.”

Msimanga indicated that his party was likely to approach the Constitutional Court if “we steer away from the constitution and the Bill of Rights”.

ANC MPL and Gauteng portfolio standing committee chairman Joe Mpisi and MEC for Education Panyaza Lesufi came out strongly in defence of Motshekga. Like the EFF, Mpisi – one of the leading Gauteng SACP members – played ideological cards but this time the demon was the US.