Overview

The Centre for Academic Literacy in isiXhosa (CALT) is dedicated to strengthening the teaching and learning of literacy in isiXhosa within Teacher Education. Despite being South Africa’s second most widely spoken mother tongue, expertise in early literacy teaching in isiXhosa remains limited. CALT aims to address this gap by supporting the development of isiXhosa as a language of teaching and learning in primary schools, with a particular focus on the BEd (Foundation Phase) programme from Grades R to 3. Working in partnership with Walter Sisulu University, the University of Fort Hare, and Rhodes University, CALT develops young teachers as experts in teaching reading in isiXhosa, ensuring learners can transition from learning to read to reading to learn. The Centre also advances research capacity, disseminates high-quality scholarship, and engages in community advocacy through seminars, conferences, publications, and collaborative initiatives. Its key activities include capacity building, research and publications, teaching and supervision, and community engagement, all aimed at transforming literacy education in isiXhosa and contributing to broader educational change in South Africa.