Phephani Gumbi¹ and Grey Magaiza²
¹University of KwaZulu-Natal, Edgewood Campus, Pinetown, South Africa
²University of the Free State, QwaQwa campus, Phuthaditjhaba, South Africa

Part of the book: Bilingualism and its Benefits

Abstract

Postcolonial African states have grappled with evolving appropriate education systems that enhance success by building on the local language abilities of education recipients. This chapter uses the language intentionality of the University of KwaZulu Natal to illustrate the value of bilingual education. By analytically exploring the literature on bilingual education, the chapter shows the contested nature of bilingual education and the various models and types used in the education systems. The chapter critically engages with these models in the South African context and shows the pedagogical application of bilingualism at the University of KwaZulu Natal. By showing the value of bilingual education, the chapter contributes to streamlining bilingual education to improve not just access but also teaching and learning.

Keywords: bilingual education, University of KwaZulu Natal, models of bilingual education

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