​As part of preparing learners for the global stage, the Gauteng Department of Education has introduced Mandarin in its schools.
Currently, five schools are offering language in partnership with the Confucius Institute as part of the GDE's Multi-Certification Skills Programme (MCSP), which is designed to equip learners with practical skills and industry-recognized certifications throughout their school careers, from Grade R to Grade 12.
These classes aim to provide students with valuable language skills for academic and professional opportunities, as well as cultural enrichment.
Katlehong Engineering School of Specialisation (SoS) is one of the schools participating in the programme, with 137 Grade 8 learners enrolled.
Speaking to My Gauteng, learner Sebabatso Kazadi said that in the few months since starting the programme, she has discovered how learning Mandarin can provide global opportunities and prepare learners for the future.
"The programme comes with a great opportunity because it helps bridge the cultural gaps between South Africa and China and helps to facilitate business opportunities as well,
"I really want to travel. I am interested in aviation, and I would love to be a pilot one day. I love mathematics, English, and Science because they would also come in handy in the line of the career I am interested in," said Kazadi.
She said learning a different language outside of her culture, for free, was a great opportunity that would help her compete on an international level.
She added that she was enjoying the language, and her favorite quote is: "Zuì hǎo de shàngwèi dàolái", meaning "the best is yet to come".
"This, for me, is a motivation to never give up, even if I fail in trying to pursue my dreams and my goals do not come the way I planned them, but just to never give up and keep my head high because the best is yet to come," said the thirteen-year-old.
The classes are conducted weekly online, and then once a month, the Confucius Institute brings a tutor to school.
Another learner, Lethabo Noge, said she was so fascinated by the Korean language that she started learning it using YouTube and other apps.
"So, when the school introduced Mandarin, I thought they are kind of similar, and I also considered the opportunities this might bring.
"I also recognized the advantages this may bring. For example, I could become a translator or work in the technology industry.
"I am not sure what I want to do after Grade 12 because I am good at a lot of things. It makes it difficult for me to decide, but I still have a lot of time to figure it out," Noge said.
She advised her peers not to limit themselves and to dream big. "Tell yourself that you want to be great; for example, I do not want to see myself working in South Africa.
"I enjoy math even though it is challenging for me. I love history and enjoy helping other learners with their studies, but I cannot be a teacher—I am not that patient; my patience is limited. I am used to people who grasp things quickly.
Do not limit yourself to just one country. Have goals, read, and pray. Choose your friends wisely—I have one friend because we share the same vision; she wants to be successful just like me," she shared.
Mandarin coordinator and school principal, Jaco Opperman, said learners are required to write Mandarin exams called Hanyu Shuiping Kaoshi (HSK) exams.
Opperman said the institute promised to bring in at least 10 more tutors to Gauteng schools in August. The aim is to roll out the programme to more schools in Gauteng.
"We only started in March, and learners are already doing well and enjoying it. If learners pass the Level 1 examinations, they receive a full scholarship to study in China at any university of their choice for any course. Everything is paid for, and they even receive a stipend and two flights back to South Africa.
"They must first finish their Grade 12 and then go to China. Afterwards, they will return and can work at any Chinese company, especially those in engineering, logistics, or manufacturing.
Opperman said the programme is funded by the Chinese government.
"This programme is mainly taught in private schools where there are Chinese children, but now we want it rolled out in our public schools because we can compete with them. It is an internationally accredited additional skills programme. Learners must shine internationally. We focus on township schools and hostels, so they can compete with anyone," said Opperman.
The five Gauteng schools offering Mandarin are: Curtis Nkondlo Maths SoS, Raymond Mhlaba Maths SoS, Soshanguve Engineering SoS, and Waterkloof Primary School.