The Bela Act and home language instruction in South African schools
SOUTH Africa’s education system is as diverse as its people, with 11 official languages and a rich cultural tapestry. For many children, their educational journey begins in their home language, which is then replaced by English as the medium of instruction starting in Grade 4.
At the time of its introduction, this bilingual approach was intended to balance linguistic diversity with the need for a unifying language. However, it has sparked significant debate among parents, educators, and policymakers, which has become all the more acrimonious with the promulgation of the Basic Education Laws Amendment Act, more usually known as the BELA Act.
In this report, we set out to explore the advantages and disadvantages of home language instruction, particularly within the South African context, and then touch on the above-mentioned ongoing controversy.
Advantages of home language instruction
- Enhanced Comprehension and Cognitive Development
Children learn best when they fully understand the language of instruction. Using a familiar language in the early years helps young students grasp complex concepts and build critical thinking skills more effectively. - Stronger Foundation for Literacy
Research shows that children who learn to read and write in their home language develop literacy skills more quickly. These skills can later be transferred to learning a second, more commercially useful language, such as English. - Cultural Preservation
Home language instruction celebrates and preserves South Africa’s rich linguistic heritage. It instils a sense of pride in children, helping them connect more strongly to their cultural roots. - Improved Parental Involvement
Parents who are fluent in their child’s language of instruction can more easily help with homework and support their education journey, creating stronger home-school partnerships. This is particularly important in rural areas, where children often live in a monolingual environment and are often in he care of monolingual and often illiterate grandparents. - Increased Confidence and Self-Esteem
Learning in their home language allows children to express themselves freely and confidently. It affirms their identity and makes them feel valued in the classroom. - Better Teacher-Student Interaction
When teachers and students share a common language, communication is clearer and easier, leading not only to better academic performance but also to improved classroom dynamics. - Bridge to Multilingualism
Starting education in a home language provides a strong foundation for mastering additional languages, such as English, later on. - Reduced Dropout Rates
Children are less likely to drop out of school if they feel capable and supported, something that home language instruction often provides. - Social Cohesion
Promoting home languages fosters respect for linguistic diversity and helps unify communities by validating all cultures and languages, without the current domination of the system by the English language. - Economic and Development Benefits
A linguistically empowered population contributes to social development and economic growth, as individuals are better equipped to learn and thrive.
Disadvantages of home language instruction
- Transition Challenges in Grade 4
Switching to English as the medium of instruction in Grade 4 is often a major hurdle. Many children struggle to adapt, leading to serious gaps in learning and academic underperformance. - Limited Resources
South African schools often lack adequate teaching materials, textbooks, and resources in all official languages, particularly in rural and underfunded areas. - Potential for Segregation
Prioritizing home languages might unintentionally create linguistic silos, limiting integration among children from different backgrounds. - Economic Realities Favouring English
English is the dominant language in higher education and the job market, both in South Africa and globally. Overemphasizing home languages might limit children’s opportunities in a globalized world. - Inconsistent Implementation
With 11 official languages, ensuring consistent quality across all home languages is a monumental challenge. - Teacher Training Gaps
Very few educators are adequately trained to teach in multiple home languages, which impacts the effectiveness of instruction. - Parental Resistance
Some parents, especially in urban areas, prefer English instruction from the start, believing it will better prepare their children for future success. - Administrative Complexity
Managing the present hybrid multilingual/English education system is already both expensive and logistically challenging, straining an already overburdened education system. To implement a fully multilingual system would be sufficiently expensive to derail the economy. - Risk of Stigmatization
Certain home languages are undervalued in society, potentially leading to stigma for students educated in those languages. - Lack of Continuity in Later Grades
Home language instruction often ends after Grade 3, leaving children without sufficient support to continue developing their home language skills.
The BELA Act and Afrikaans-speaking parents
The debate over home language instruction has intensified with the recent passing of the Basic Education Laws Amendment (BELA) Act. One of its provisions allows provincial education departments to have ultimate control over the language policies of schools, removing this power from the schools’ governing bodies.
This has been met with resistance, particularly from Afrikaans-speaking parents, who perceive the move as a deliberate attempt to weaken Afrikaans.
Historically, Afrikaans has played a significant role in South Africa’s education system. Many Afrikaans-medium schools are concerned that the BELA Act’s centralization of decision-making would erode their ability to preserve and promote the language. Parents argue that Afrikaans is already under pressure in universities and the workplace, and fear that reducing its presence in schools could lead to a dramatic decline in the use of the language.
While the government insists the Act aims to promote inclusivity and equity, critics believe it may unintentionally marginalize Afrikaans further, undermining its cultural and educational significance. This highlights the delicate balance required to address the needs of all South African languages fairly.
Finding a balanced approach
South Africa’s multilingual nature is both a strength and a challenge. Home language instruction provides significant benefits, but it must be implemented carefully to avoid disadvantaging monolingual students as they transition to English. A more gradual and better-supported shift to English, improved teacher training, and equitable resource allocation are all essential to make this system work.
Equally, the government must ensure that policies like the BELA Act do not alienate communities nor erode linguistic diversity. Preserving and respecting all languages—including Afrikaans—is vital to fostering social cohesion and maintaining South Africa’s unique identity.
For parents, understanding the complexities of this issue is key to advocating for their children’s best interests. By working together with schools and policymakers, we can create an education system that values every child’s linguistic and cultural heritage while preparing them for a successful future.
Richard Lyon
January 2025
PS: If you would like to comment on this article – to agree, disagree or add – please feel free to use the Comment Section below or, if you prefer, simply email me at richard@myexamslayer.co.za.