Education CS George Magoha has signed a deal that will see Kenya take a leading role in the introduction of Kiswahili as an optional language in The South African education system.
Magoha, who signed the deal at his Jogoo House office on Friday, was accompanied by South Africa’s Minister of Basic Education Angelina Matsie Motshekga who signed the deal on behalf of her government.
In the deal, the government is required to facilitate the introduction of Kiswahili in South African schools.
Magoha praised the development as a step forward to strengthen collaboration between the two countries.
Motshekga, on the other hand, announced that 40 percent of learners in South Africa are currently either learning or speaking Kiswahili.
“The MoU will make it possible for learners in South African to take up Kiswahili as an optional language besides French and Portuguese languages,” Motshekga stated.
Capital News reported that the move is expected to open up a way for Kiswahili teachers to gain employment opportunities in South Africa.
The agreement will provide the basis for Kenya to share technical capabilities in education after the South African minister praised the steps Kenya has taken in relation to digitisation of the education system.
“Kenya the Digital Learning Programme has the potential to address gaps in skills between learners apart from addressing the problem of teacher shortage,” she added.
Early Learning and Basic Education Principal Secretary, Belio Kipsang was also among the people that witnessed the MoU signing.
