1. In 2013 the Department of Basic Education announced plans to strengthen the teaching of previously marginalised official African languages through the Incremental Introduction of African Languages (IIAL) draft policy.

2. The IIAL is a priority programme aimed at promoting social cohesion in our society. It is also intended to promote and develop previously marginalised official African languages as espoused in the provisions of the Constitution and National Development Plan.

3. Therefore, the aim of the IIAL policy is to introduce a previously marginalised official African language in all schools that are not currently offering any previously marginalised official African languages. It is expected of all provincial education departments to achieve universal implementation by 2020.

4. In 2014–2016 the Western Cape Education Department (WCED) implemented the IIAL policy (isiXhosa as a third language) with relative success in 10 schools that were not offering a previously marginalised official language, however the WCED is still required to implement the IIAL policy in approximately 900 schools by 2020.

5. Due to current budget constraints the WCED is looking at innovative ways to support the implementation of the IIAL policy and to meet implementation goals by 2020.

6. This notice therefore serves to invite all schools (that currently do not offer isiXhosa SAL from Grade 1 and schools that currently offer isiXhosa as an extramural subject) who are willing to implement this policy to complete and return the attached form to nontsikelelo.nyamza@westerncape.gov.za by 20 February 2017. Further correspondence will reach these schools before the end of the first term regarding the way forward.

7. Schools that volunteer to implement the IIAL at their own cost will be required to:

  • provide a teacher who can speak and teach isiXhosa; and
  • continue to offer isiXhosa SAL in Grade 1 after 2017 and incrementally introduce the subject each year to the next grade and be willing to extend the Grade 1 timetable by 30 minutes per day.
8. The WCED will provide schools with:

  • lesson plans for Grade 1 and learner books;
  • teacher training and planning in the month of February; and
  • ongoing support for the IIAL teacher.
9. Please note that the IIAL will be formally implemented from the second term only and that no additional funding or resources will be provided by the WCED.

10. Kindly forward all queries to Ms Ntsiki Nyamza on tel. no. 021 467 9268 or email nontsikelelo.nyamza@westerncape.gov.za.

11. Your support for this important and transformational policy is appreciated

12. Principals are requested to discuss this minute with the relevant staff.


SIGNED: PAD BEETS
DEPUTY DIRECTOR-GENERAL: CURRICULUM AND ASSESSMENT MANAGEMENT
DATE: 2017:01:20

2017 IIAL Reply slip  (size: 52 KB)