This is the SiSwati 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 SiSwati Home Language across Grades R, 1, 2 and 3, and is relevant for the 2026 and 2027 school years. The document organises home language teaching around listening and speaking, reading and phonics, and writing and handwriting, alongside thinking and reasoning skills that are integrated across all four language skills.
The following document, SiSwati Home Language CAPS Document Grades R-3.pdf, is the full document.
CAPS Document Brief
SiSwati Home Language CAPS Document Grades R-3 kavo-157
The document defines SiSwati Home Language teaching around four integrated language skill areas: listening and speaking, reading and phonics, writing and handwriting, and thinking and reasoning combined with language structures and conventions. These skill areas are used consistently across each grade to organise what learners must know and be able to do.
The document runs to 134 pages and is organised into three main sections: Section 1 introduces the national Curriculum and Assessment Policy Statement and general curriculum aims and time allocations; Section 2 introduces the Foundation Phase language approach, time allocation and assessment for Home Language; and Section 3 sets out the detailed content and teaching plans for SiSwati Home Language grade by grade, from Grade R through to Grade 3, ending with a glossary of terms.
The document aims to equip Foundation Phase learners with the knowledge, skills and values needed to communicate confidently in SiSwati as their home language, building a foundation for literacy and further learning across the curriculum. It emphasises progression from oral language and phonics towards independent reading and writing, and encourages critical and creative thinking through language use.
Grade
R-3
Subject
SiSwati Home Language
Phase
Foundation Phase
Curriculum
South African (CAPS)
School Years
2026 and 2027