Afrikaans is not compulsory anymore. This is indeed good news, not only for students, but for teachers as well. Now perhaps students who take Afrikaans as a subject will do so because they want to! The language policy states that all pupils must study a language at Home Language Level plus a First Additional Language that constitutes an official language. The choice at many schools in Kwa-Zulu Natal is between isiZulu and Afrikaans.
Students are encouraged to view Afrikaans as a body of knowledge which, even if they never plan to speak it, will enrich their lives and expand their minds. Topical, exciting events that form part of the students’ world are incorporated into lessons as much as possible. The communicative approach is followed and students participate in a variety of activities.
Afrikaans as a subject is very much alive and has a great deal to offer. It is still spoken widely in South Africa and will add to a person’s skill to communicate as well as an appreciation of culture and traditions.