NC a leader in African languages at schools

that are implementing the programme,” Motshekga said, adding that the Northern Cape and Free State were currently implementing the IIAL at 90 percent and 89 percent respectively.

“Limpopo reported that there are only five schools left to reach 100 percent.”

Gauteng (36 percent) and KZN (46 percent) were, according to Motshekga, striving to reach their 2017 target of 50 percent.

“The Western Cape and Mpumalanga are of great concern and have not shown the expected commitment to the programme with only 1.2 percent and 2.2 percent respectively.”

The implementation of IIAL in Grade 1 applies to all schools not offering a marginalised African language.

“Some of the challenges faced have been the provision of African language teachers but it has been suggested that provinces can make use of roving African language teachers that can operate between different schools.”

Referring to the Second Chance Matric Support Programme, aimed at young people who have failed to meet the requirements of the NSC/ SC as well as those who wish to upgrade or improve their NSC, Motshekga said there had been an increase in the uptake of post-school NSC examinations in all provinces.

“We have seen substantial increases in KZN (6 739) and Limpopo (4 987) who offered face-to-face lessons for the November examinations as well as the Northern Cape (2 138).”