As Afrikaans marks 100 years as an official language, there is renewed attention on the value of mother-tongue education. And rightly so—research shows that children perform better when taught in their home language, especially in the foundational years."
Many parents feel confident that by choosing a good school, using their child’s mother tongue, or homeschooling, they’re giving their child an academic and cultural edge. But while language of instruction is important, it isn’t the only factor that shapes a child’s education. The real concern may not be where, or even in what language your child is being taught, but what they’re being taught.
This brings us to the South African National Curriculum Statement (NCS). The NCS isn’t just a framework for teaching school subjects. According to a 2001 analysis by a curriculum scientist and an educational psychologist, it may also function as a tool for shaping how children think, what they believe, and how they interpret the world around them. Their concerns, raised over 20 years ago, are still worth exploring in light of today's educational and cultural challenges.
The Hidden Messages Behind the Lessons
In their analysis, the experts argued that the curriculum encourages something called de-individuation, a process that weakens a child’s sense of personal identity in favor of collective thinking. (Read curriculum scientist explanation)
For example, they observed that young children are first taught to focus on themselves, before later being introduced to family or cultural context. The concern is that when children learn abstract ideas, like identity being fluid, too early, it can leave them without a firm grounding in who they are. Over time, they may become more influenced by peer groups or public norms than by their own family values.
Cultural and Religious Neutrality—or Not?
Another area of concern was how the NCS handles cultural and religious diversity. The curriculum promotes tolerance and inclusion, but according to the analysis, this is interpreted as requiring learners to adopt or demonstrate values from belief systems that may not reflect their own background (Read psychologist critique on religious education).
In subjects like religious education, students are asked to approach issues from a mix of “approved” moral viewpoints, handpicked and curated to align with state-defined ideals. Critics have warned that this can amount to a kind of “state religion,” where the school becomes the final voice on right and wrong, rather than the family or faith community.
One-Sided Teaching and Limited Debate
The experts also raised concerns about how certain topics are framed in the curriculum. Terms like “colonialism,” “capitalism,” and “patriarchy” are frequently presented only in a negative light, while themes like “social justice” or “climate justice” are treated as unquestionable goods.
This framing may discourage open discussion. If learners feel they must agree with a particular viewpoint to succeed academically, it becomes harder to question or explore alternatives. Instead of fostering critical thinking, the system may reward compliance—encouraging children to repeat what’s expected rather than forming their own conclusions.
When “Rights” Are Taught as Duties
One particularly strong concern raised in the 2001 report is how the NCS interprets human rights. Rather than emphasizing individual freedom and conscience, the curriculum often frames rights as social obligations. According to the analysis, this could shift the focus from protecting individual liberty to enforcing alignment with collective ideals (curriculum scientist analysis).
Community service, for example, becomes a compulsory part of education, not something a learner chooses out of goodwill, but something expected to demonstrate social compliance.
Assessment: Measuring More Than Knowledge
Perhaps the most striking aspect highlighted by the researchers is how values are assessed. It’s not just academic content being measured, but whether a child is demonstrating the correct behaviours and attitudes prescribed by the curriculum (read full psychological analysis).
Assignments may require children to reveal how they think or feel about moral, social, or even family matters. Teachers are expected to observe and document not just classroom participation, but signs that a child is living out the curriculum’s ideals in real life. This level of scrutiny led the psychologist to describe the system as a form of “thought shaping,” where a child’s inner agreement, not just behaviour, is expected.
Are We Seeing the Impact Today?
The two experts expressed concern that this system could lead to a generation of young people who struggle with personal identity, lack resilience, and are underprepared for adulthood. Whether one fully agrees with their conclusions or not, some current trends seem to echo their predictions:
- South Africa’s academic performance remains among the lowest globally.
- University dropout rates are high.
- Employers report that young workers often lack discipline and critical thinking.
- Many students are quick to protest or express a sense of entitlement, while appearing less anchored in traditional family or moral values.
This may help explain why when children are not rooted in solid values at home, they find it harder to take responsibility or cope with setbacks. Frustration can build up and for some this may come out as anger, entitlement or demands for change, often because they are unsure of who they are or what they believe.
Does Language or Homeschooling Provide a Shield?
Some parents believe that teaching in their child’s mother tongue or choosing to homeschool is enough to protect them. But if the curriculum content and assessments are still NCS-aligned—as is the case with many CAPS-based homeschool programs—the same concerns may still apply. The delivery may change, but the underlying framework remains.
What Can Parents Do?
- Look beyond the textbook list. Understand what values are being taught and how.
- Ask questions. Is your child encouraged to explore and question, or simply to agree?
- Choose intentionally. Find curricula and resources that reflect your family’s convictions and support critical thinking.
- Stay engaged. Keep up with education policy, especially as it relates to private and home education.
Final Thought
Curriculum isn’t just about academics. It plays a major role in shaping how children see themselves, others, and the world. According to the 2001 analysis by a curriculum scientist and psychologist, the NCS function as more than just an educational tool—it also serve as a mechanism for shaping values, beliefs, and identity.
Parents don’t have to agree with every aspect of the experts critique. But they should take it seriously enough to ask:
What is my child learning—not just in content, but in worldview? And who gets to decide?