IsiNdebele Lecturer at the University of Mpumalanga (UMP), Mr William Jiyana, asserts that mother tongue tuition can enhance student engagement and motivation, as students are more likely to grasp concepts when taught in their native language.

Mr Jiyana, who recently completed his master's degree at the University of Pretoria (UP), conducted research that focused on the utilization of oral traditional storytelling in Grade 3 of the Foundation Phase. According to the empirical findings of his study, storytelling proves to be an effective pedagogical tool for developing language skills in isiNdebele.

"Storytelling of folktales facilitates the development of isiNdebele language skills, allowing learners to work on specific language skills such as listening, speaking, reading, and writing, as well as receptive and productive skills in general," he explains.

The study further reveals that the increasing use of technology and cellphone applications like Facebook and WhatsApp among young learners poses a threat to the preservation and development of folktales. This shift in storytelling practices can result in the loss of traditional elements within the stories, including the significance of oral tradition, cultural values, and social norms.

Mr Jiyana specializes in examining the use of traditional stories in language teaching and learning. "I firmly believe that reviving indigenous stories can have a significant impact on our children's education, particularly in light of recent statistics indicating insufficient reading skills among students in the basic education sector."

In addition to promoting cultural pride and language understanding, native stories can help bridge the current gap in the educational system. Mr Jiyana expresses his passion for finding ways to integrate these stories into the classroom setting.

By leveraging the power of technology alongside traditional stories, educators can create engaging and interactive experiences that help students comprehend and retain the stories more meaningfully. Furthermore, the utilization of technology can breathe life into the stories and make them more accessible to a broader range of students.

He believes that there is still much work to be done to expand the body of academic literature. He quotes Brian Tracy, an American motivational speaker, saying, "The future belongs to the competent. It belongs to those who are very, very good at what they do."

Poverty, unemployment, and inequality have had a profound impact on South Africa's social challenges today. Mr Jiyana emphasizes that education provides access to knowledge and information, which, when combined with the right skills, can empower individuals to break free from the cycle of poverty.

"Enhanced literacy skills enable people to access the resources they need to make important decisions, create opportunities, and improve their quality of life. The lack of literacy skills among South African children has been a major issue in recent years.

Digital technologies and platforms have the potential to provide 24/7 access to a wide range of resources and materials tailored to individual needs and interests. This opens up more opportunities for children to learn and develop literacy skills, enabling them to make informed decisions and pursue new opportunities in life."

To ensure that all students receive the best possible education, Mr Jiyana stresses the importance of investing in competent teachers, tools, and technology. He believes in striving for an educational system that is equitable and accessible to all, bridging the achievement gap among students from different backgrounds by providing equal access to education regardless of their language.

His ambition is to earn a Doctorate in Education and contribute to the body of academic literature and development in the field of African languages, specifically isiNdebele.

"I am determined to further my research and enhance my skills to become a capable and respected academic in my field, contributing to shaping the future of African languages. I have a strong commitment to the university and have worked diligently to establish my reputation as a knowledgeable and reliable lecturer. I have also taken the initiative to develop research projects that will contribute to the growth of the university.

I am confident that my dedication and hard work will be rewarded with a future promotion. I am eager to serve as a role model for today's youth, inspiring them to pursue their education for the betterment of Mpumalanga Province and our rainbow nation."

@ Story by Lisa Thabethe. Picture supplied.