Revolutionizing Math Education: One Teacher’s Innovative Use of isiZulu in KZN Classrooms and TikTok

Let me introduce you to Sibusiso Mncube, a math and physical science teacher who’s turning heads in KwaZulu-Natal with his fresh approach to teaching.

He’s tapping into isiZulu, the mother tongue for so many of his students, and bringing math lessons to life using examples they can truly relate to. Gone are the days of dry math education—Mncube is making it fun, relatable, and engaging.

Imagine learning about graphs through a catchy Maskandi-style song. That’s exactly what Mncube does to unravel the mysteries of y and x intercepts. By blending music with education, he’s creating an environment where students are not just learning but enjoying the process.

And to make things even more real, he uses everyday cultural scenarios—like discussing a polygamous man’s life to dive into factorizing and grouping problems. It’s teaching at its most inventive.

But Mncube doesn’t keep his techniques under wraps.

Thanks to his TikTok page, a broader audience gets to see firsthand how he’s transforming math education. His videos have attracted quite a following, sparking conversations about the benefits of teaching in students’ first languages and how it can boost understanding across the board.

Of course, like any trailblazing method, there are a few critics.

Some worry that using isiZulu might trip students up when they move to English-based classes in higher education. Mncube, though, stands by his choice, explaining that in the context of his school, teaching in isiZulu makes perfect sense to bridge gaps in comprehension.

Mncube’s approach isn’t just about shaking up how math is taught; it opens the door to bigger conversations about language and education in South Africa, especially for STEM subjects. As the country looks at ways to reform education, his methods might just shine a light on the path forward—one that’s culturally relevant and, most importantly, effective.