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Sadtu trains 180 master trainers for home language teaching

Published

The South African Democratic Teachers Union (Sadtu) says the trainers will support 5,000 teachers in mother tongue-based bilingual education alongside English. The union says teaching in home languages can improve understanding and academic performance.

Sadtu spokesperson Nomusa Cembi said many learners struggle when they switch from their home language to English in Grade 4. She said the programme aims to use languages children already understand, while keeping English as an important part of education.

Cembi also explained why the union backs the approach. "Children generally understand new concepts more easily in a language they already know well."

Key facts

Who
Nomusa Cembi (Sadtu spokesperson); South African Democratic Teachers Union (union announcing the mother tongue-based bilingual education programme)
What
Sadtu is training 180 master trainers who will support 5,000 teachers in implementing mother tongue-based bilingual education alongside English. Spokesperson Nomusa Cembi says many learners struggle when switching from home language to English in Grade 4.
When
27 October 2026
Where
South Africa
Status
Reported

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