Mandarin

The school curriculum in South Africa will officially include the Chinese language of Mandarin from January 2016. This is according to Department of Basic Education. The department says this will be offered as a second elective subject. China is South Africa’s biggest trading partner, and from January 2016, learners in grades 4 to 12 will be able to pick up the Chinese language. In March last year, Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga, signed an implementation plan between the Ministry of Education in China and the Department of Basic Education, to strengthen education ties at an institutional and policy level. One aspect of the agreement included cultural exchange and the promotion of Mandarin being taught in South African schools. To help us discuss what some see as an emotive subject, we are joined on the line by:Elijah Mhlanga: Chief Director: Communications Department of Basic Education Julian Fisher: Managing Director at Africa Integrity Services Limited( The Company provides what it calls the highest quality Intelligence in Africa to support Investors at each stage of their business life cycle Malose Kutumela: President of the Professional Educators Union: We had invited a Spokesperson of the South African Democratic Teachers’ Union, Nomusa Ncimbi, but withdrew at the 11th hour.