A thesis submitted to the Faculty of Education in fulfilment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Arts in the Department of African Languages at the University of Zululand, South Africa, 2014 / The research is basically looking at the challenges that are faced by isiZulu mother-tongue teachers in Secondary levels. The research focuses mainly in schools around the Province of KwaZulu-Natal. This research has been motivated by the fact that isiZulu is gradually losing its originality as a language and if nothing is being done, it is at the verge of collapse. Chapter one is the general introduction of the research topic where the following sub-topics form part of the research proposal; background to the study, the problem statement, the purpose of the study, delimitation of the study, the study methodology, beneficiaries of the study, division of the chapters and the conclusion. Chapter two deals with the issue of the language of teaching and learning. In South Africa in general and in schools in particular, isiZulu language is not a medium of instruction. It is not treated as a valuable communication mode. The majority of learners in South African Schools are taught through the medium of English which is not their home language. This has caused learners to despise isiZulu and going to the extent of developing an attitude that they do not need isiZulu for survival, therefore isiZulu mother-tongue teachers have a challenge to endeavour to motivate learners and other stake holders to give isiZulu the respect that it deserves. Chapter three looks at the curricula changes which have resulted to change in the teaching and learning style. Curricula changes in South Africa started with the adoption of OutcomesBased Education which brought about confusion not only to educators but to parents and learners as well. The study in this chapter focuses on the language policies that have been put in place as to what extent have they contributed to the challenges facing isiZulu mothertongue teachers in schools. Chapter four investigates the development of media both electronic and print which has captured the minds of most of our learners in a much greater way but mostly producing negative results. The rapid expansion of the electronic media and the introduction of a network of telecommunications has posed a threat in isiZulu language since most of the media do not use vii vernacular when publishing and broadcasting. If isiZulu is used, it is no longer in its original pure state, it is very diluted. Chapter five deals with the analysis and the result of the research. That is where we get the response of the participants to the questionnaire that has been used. Chapter six is where we get the recommendations and the conclusion.