Can our government explain in detail its plan to roll out a programme that will see Mandarin being taught in our schools? President Jacob Zuma has apparently given the initiative his signature and his approval, and it will be implemented from next year.Why the Asian language of Mandarin and not an African language like Swahili?It is puzzling that, while we are battling to provide quality education to our children, we routinely fill their mouths with foreign languages.Will we soon have 12 official languages, and why is it so much easier to put Mandarin in schools than it is to have a syllabus taught in Zulu, Xhosa or Tswana?South Africans have every right to be sceptical.Are we about to be colonised yet again, and why is the government handing over our country to a foreign superpower?Where will the teachers come from for these classes in Mandarin - and where will the funding come from? We cannot simply add a totally new language to our struggling education system and expect that all will turn out well.What advantage will be given to pupils by introducing Mandarin to our school system? How will it aid their future?We fully agree with those who call on the government to suspend its decision and allow a full and honest debate on this matter.It is troubling that the Zuma administration feels that it can just shove Mandarin down our children's throats and claim that it will serve this nation' s interests.The government must present sound reasoning for such a move and allow South Africans to have their say on the matter.It is doubtful the populace wants to be colonised by a new master.History teaches us that imposition leads to rebellion and this government cannot just roll us over and hope for good results..