11 Aug 2021

A Member of the consultative team on languages draft policy principal education officer Ms Lorato Ramotlabaki says the proposed introduction of languages in schools is not meant to stoke tribalism among Batswana. 

Speaking at a consultative meeting in Mosetse on Tuesday, Ms Ramotlabaki explained that the decision was aimed at aiding breakthrough learners’ comprehension. Breakthrough classes are from reception through standard two. 

Ms Ramotlabaki said additional languages, which would be introduced at the beginning of the first term in 2022 would not be taught but used as media of instruction. She noted that despite Setswana being a national language, it was not used widely in some areas, hence some pupils had difficulty understanding concepts. 

This, she said negatively affected their education foundation. Ms Ramotlabaki said other languages would in the future form part of the school syllabus. Ms Ramotlabaki noted that the Draft Language Policy emphasised that every Motswana, including those who naturalised must learn Setswana. 

University of Botswana Professor Budzani Mogara said research had indicated that teaching pupils through their mother-tongue enabled them to understand concepts better. Commenting on the proposal residents of Mosetse said implementation was long overdue as there was a commission, which consulted on introduction of indigenous languages back in 1994 and that it received positive feedback. 

A resident, Mr Unangoni Ikula said in the 1960’s before independence they were taught in their Ikalanga language at sub A and B and were able to grasp concepts. He said many people often had difficulty of expressing themselves adequately due limited language proficiency. ends