Push for more indigenous language teaching

ALL schools will soon be forced to teach at least one indigenous language.

The language will be determined by the region in which the school is located.

The new regime will be introduced in the next two years, the ANC elective conference has heard.

Social transformation committee member Joe Phaahla said the intention was to preserve and promote cultural heritage.

The Basic Education Department has, he said, given assurances that the new language policy would be implemented.

"If, for example, a school is in the Free State, then it automatically will teach Sotho as compulsory, in KwaZuluNatal it will be Zulu," Phaahla said.

It would have to be ensured that teachers were available.

"This policy will help stimulate demand for teachers of indigenous languages. At the moment the situation is precarious."

The 2011 national census showed that there had been a decline in the use of six of the 11 official languages.

The ANC has stopped short of making the singing of the national anthem every day, before classes begin, compulsory - a recommendation emanating from the June policy conference.

Committee member Paul Mashatile said the national anthem, and not just the "old" Nkosi Sikelel' iAfrika, must be sung at all times, including at ANC meetings.

Government departments will have to print documents in three official languages - and one of them must be an African language.