This is the isiZulu 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 isiZulu Home Language across Grades R, 1, 2 and 3, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. It covers listening and speaking, reading and writing, and a dedicated Grade R early language programme.
The following document, isiZulu Home Language CAPS Document Grades R-3.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
isiZulu Home Language CAPS Document Grades R-3 kavo-104
The document sets out Home Language teaching through Listening and Speaking, and Reading and Writing, with detailed guidance on shared reading, group-guided reading, paired and independent reading, phonics, sight words, comprehension and writing, plus a specific Grade R language and literacy programme.
This is a 134-page CAPS document with three main sections: Section 1 introduces the National Curriculum Statement; Section 2 introduces the approach to teaching languages, including time allocation and assessment; and Section 3, the bulk of the document, provides the term-by-term curriculum framework and content for Grades R to 3, followed by a word list.
The document aims to develop learners into confident isiZulu speakers, readers and writers by the end of Grade 3, with strong oral language, phonics, reading comprehension and writing foundations. It sets grade-specific expectations so learners progress systematically from the Grade R programme through to Grade 3 competence in the home language.
Grade
R-3
Subject
isiZulu Home Language
Phase
Foundation Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027