**Acknowledgements**

First and foremost, let me appreciate and thank the Almighty God for the strength and wisdom. Without His blessings, I doubt if we would have courage to successfully write this manuscript.

To write a book chapter is really hard work than I ever imagined, yet rewarding because as I continue embarking on the process of writing, my research skills coupled with academic writing logistics are sharpened day by day. This chapter encompasses to measure whether disbanding learner groupings as per the social distancing protocols brought about by COVID-19 restrictions has any significant impact on language enhancement.

I would be making a mistake not to acknowledge the amazing obligation that I owe toward researchers who encouraged me on manuscript writing. For this manuscript to be written in completion, an immense amount of work was done and would not have happened without an inspiration by a number of compassionate researchers whom I collaborated with, inclusive of:

Dr. Nomxolisi Mtsi, who was the first person to inspire me on research writing. As I narrated to her that my life situation had its ups and downs, she just told me that there was always a way out for whatever situation experienced. This academic was the one who whispered out loud in my ears that I need to start focusing on research writing. I can assume in me she sensed a hungry academic that needed some inspiration to grow. She went an extra mile to introduce me to Dr. Thandiswa Mpiti, with whom we are in the same field of research: languages. I am so grateful to have networked with such an academic, engaging on research writing, sharing experiences, and stimulating one another.

I cannot turn a blind eye on this one. To Dr. Shakespeare Chiphambo, no matter how the awkward timing would be, he is always eager to read through my drafts and offer whatever form of assistance I require from him in relation to manuscript writing.

I am ceaselessly appreciative to my mentor: Professor Bongani Bantwini, my managers at work: Professor Nolutho Diko and Mrs. Nondwe Mtshatsha. These seasoned academics would always and forever encourage me to make it a priority that I prioritize on manuscript writing to be considered as fully blown in academia. My mentor would always go an extra mile to read through my drafts.

Without proficiencies, collaboration, and support from my colleague at work, Dr. Ntando Elliot Mpahla, the research expertise on manuscript writing, would not have been to this level.

To all the researchers who would preach into my ears that to be regarded as a real academic one has to embark on publishing, thank you so much for inspiring more authors to have courage to convert their ideas to becoming stories. It is because of such inspiring comments that I have obtained some growth opportunities.

For the publication of this manuscript, I wish to extend my sincere gratitude to the Walter Sisulu Research Directorate for offering funding toward our publications. This stimulates and encourages us as researchers to have a maintained zeal toward the project as academic writers.

Writing a chapter about real-life experiences encountered in the workplace during the processes of teaching and learning is indeed a bizarre process, but through the ongoing support of the colleagues in the same field of work, there was continued motivation and inspiration to maintain the passion of bringing all our stories to life.

A very special word of thanks goes to my family. My kids, Yonela, Tina, and Zenazi, for supporting me without complaining even at times when I gave them less attention than they expected. My nephews and nieces, Odwa, Ongeziwe, Lisolethu, Kungawo, Amyoli, and Minathi, for exercising patience when I took longer to assist them with their studies while I was still hooked up in this little piece of writing. Their level of understanding is well applauded. My brother, Campbell, and sisters, Xoliswa and Hombakazi, for always encouraging me in whatever endeavor intending to make my life a better one. My mom, Vuyiswa, who would always and forever urge all her kids to prioritize with engaging in furthering their studies for being successful and prominent citizens. Lastly, my debt goes to my late dad, Erick Vuyisilet, who always dreamt big about the level of education for his children.

Conclusions to this study have been sharpened by contributions of our participants. For the time they excellently dedicated in engaging in this investigation, they are highly acknowledged.

#### **Appendix A: interview schedule**

#### **Interview Schedule for English First Additional Language Primary School teachers**


**Your participation in this regard is of the highest value in this enquiry. Thank You.**

*Social Distancing Disbanding Learner Groupings: A Case on Language Development DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.5772/intechopen.104893*
