Mandarin, Nama and French are being introduced to schools to boost pupils’ prospects

The Chinese embassy requested that the subject be introduced and will be responsible for bringing in teachers from China and training SA teachers.

If we are concerned about aspects of China, it is there that we should concentrate our efforts.

Local institutes named after the philosopher have laughed off claims of a sinister agenda.

A department circular highlighting the Chinese language has frustrated teacher unions.

Government has informed education authorities that Mandarin will be taught in schools from January, amid claims of Chinese "imperialism" by Sadtu.

The education department is offering pupils the option to learn a Chinese language, but the union wants more emphasis placed on indigenous languages.