Question NW3645 to the Minister of Basic Education
19 October 2015 - NW3645
Msimang, Prof CT to ask the Minister of Basic Education
(1)How many (a) South African teachers are being trained to teach Mandarin in our schools and (b) Chinese teachers will be brought into the country to teach the specified language; (2) are the specified Chinese teachers that will be brought into the country going to assist in teaching other subjects like Maths and Science?
Reply:
(1) (a)As at 30 September 2015, there are no South African teachers being trained to teach Mandarin in South African schools.
(b)There are eight (8) Chinese Language Teachers in South Africa already. There are plans by the Chinese Embassy to bring four (4) teachers in October 2015 and an additional three (3) in January 2016. The total number of teachers is expected to be fifteen (15) by the end of January 2016.
(2) No. The Chinese teachers are not expected to assist in teaching other subjects.