Basic Education Minister Angie Motshekga announced the change Tuesday for pupils in their first three years of schooling.

Children are currently taught either in English or Afrikaans, both languages inherited from the era of colonialism. During apartheid, classes only were taught in Afrikaans or English.

Education experts have been calling for the change for years, as South Africa has nine other official languages.

Under the changes outlined Tuesday, teachers also will be relieved of many paperwork responsibilities to concentrate more on teaching.