January 2016 will see the introduction of the Chinese language ‘Mandarin’ being taught in South African schools. Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga first announced plans for the teaching of Mandarin in local schools last year, following the signing of bilateral agreements between South Africa and China.
In addition to strengthening business ties, the countries agreed to co-operate on education matters. At the time Motshekga’s office said: “As [China is] South Africa’s biggest trading partner, it is important for our children to become proficient in the Confucius language and develop a good understanding of Chinese culture.” The department finally approved Mandarin this year, along with German, Serbian, Italian, Latin, Portuguese, Spanish, Tamil, Telegu and Urdu as additional optional languages.
The approval of the added language to the SA school curriculum has been met with vocal criticism by many, including the South African Democratic Teachers Union, as well as the National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa.
This week on The Business Buzz, we unpack the expected realities of what the introduction of Mandarin will mean in a discussion with the President of the National Professional Teachers Organisation of South Africa, Basil Manuel.
Financial Advisor Ken Swettenham gives us a recap of this week’s Business, Finance and Economic news “In our Business Wrap”.
We unveil the final mentors of “The Mentorship Match-Up”, Phuti Mahanyele and Sbu Mpungose.
For our “Rant’n Rave”, Copy Writer, Skhumbuzo Tuswa tells us all that he loves and hates about his job.
THE BUSINESS BUZZ. THURSDAYS 6-7PM
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The Business Buzz is presented and produced by Tsholofelo Semenya.
Executive Producer: Khanyisile Molaba
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