Recent claims circulating on social media have falsely indicated that the South African government is removing English from public schools. These rumors have been widely shared since February 2026, often in alarmist tones. However, these assertions are based on a misunderstanding of the government's actual stance on language education. In fact, the government is not eliminating English but is instead expanding mother-tongue bilingual education initiatives, particularly for students below grade 3.

The discussions surrounding these claims highlight the sensitivity of language policy in South Africa, where there is a strong emphasis on promoting indigenous languages alongside English. The government's educational strategies aim to enhance accessibility and learning outcomes for children by encouraging education in their mother tongue. This shift is not a removal of English, but rather an attempt to integrate it alongside native languages, making learning more effective for a diverse population.

The backlash reflected in the comments and social media posts suggests a deep-seated concern among some members of the public about educational quality and a fear that such policies could weaken English proficiency. However, it's essential to clarify that English will continue to be a key part of the curriculum in South African education systems, ensuring that students remain bilingual and capable of navigating both local and global contexts effectively.