This is the Afrikaans Home Language CAPS Document (Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement) for the Foundation Phase, Grades R-3, issued by the South African Department of Basic Education. It sets out what must be taught, learnt and assessed in Afrikaans Home Language across Grades R, 1, 2 and 3, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. The document organises language teaching around Listening and Speaking, Reading and Phonics, and Writing and Handwriting, integrated with Thinking and Reasoning and Language Structure and Use.
The following document, Afrikaans Home Language CAPS Document Grades R-3.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
Afrikaans Home Language CAPS Document Grades R-3 kavo-002
The document explains that in the Foundation Phase the core skills in the Home Language curriculum are Listening and Speaking, Reading and Phonics, and Writing and Handwriting, with Thinking and Reasoning and Language Structure and Use integrated across all four language skills. It follows an integrated approach where language is used across all other subjects, including Mathematics and Life Skills. A glossary (Woordelys) of key terms is included at the end of the document.
The document runs to 136 pages and is divided into three main sections (Afdelings). Afdeling 1 covers background and the general aims and time allocation of the South African curriculum, Afdeling 2 introduces the languages approach, time allocation and assessment for the Foundation Phase, and Afdeling 3 provides the detailed suggested teaching plans per term for Grade R, Grade 1, Grade 2 and Grade 3, followed by a glossary.
The subject aims to equip learners with the ability to listen, speak, read, write and think critically in Afrikaans as their home language, building a foundation of literacy and communication skills that are integrated with the other Foundation Phase subjects. It aims to develop learners who can express their identity, feelings and ideas confidently and progress in reading and writing competence from Grade R through Grade 3.
Grade
R-3
Subject
Afrikaans Home Language
Phase
Foundation Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027