Government welcomes decision to teach Swahili in South African schools

Dar es Salaam. Following the decision by South Africa government to allow Swahili to be taught from Primary school to secondary school Tanzania government has welcomed the move.

South Africa basic education minister Angie Motshekga on Monday announced that Kiswahili has been approved as the second language that will be offered to learners in South African schools. It will be offered at public, private and independent schools.

Speaking to The Citizen Deputy Minister for education Mr William Ole-Nasha, Kiswahili Council of Tanzania (Bakita) and Tanzania Professional Swahili Institute (TATAKI) said the country is ready to grab the opportunity because it has enough Swahili teachers.

“We are aware that we will face competition from other countries, which include Kenya but I am confident that many Tanzanians will be employed because, we have best Kiswahili teachers in the world,” said Mr Ole-Nasha.

On his part Bakita Secretary General Dr Selemani Sewangi said the council had been aware with the South African government intentions.

“Since they have revealed that the program to teach Kiswahili in South Africa school we are confident that many Tanzanians will have plenty of time to apply,” said he.

The decision was approved by the Council of Education Ministers (CEM).