UMZINGWANE DISTRICT – PARENTS of pupils at Nswazi Primary School in
Umzingwane, Matabeleland South Province, are outraged at the deployment of non-
Ndebele speaking teachers to the area.
Parents, who spoke to this publication over the weekend, said they are writing a
petition to the relevant authorities.
Titas Sibeko Ncube, from Ward 13, said the development was disturbing not only to
pupils, but to the entire community.
The non-Ndebele speaking teachers are allegedly being assigned to Early Childhood
Development (ECD) and the parents’ argument is that the practice destroys their
mother language.
“It is common sense that young children need to be introduced to early learning
using their mother tongue. The Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education should
know that the mother tongue is the preferred medium of communication and
instruction for pre-school children at home and in school.
“The Government should appreciate the importance of the mother tongue, with
reasons including the promotion of cultural identity, the easy understanding of
concepts and for effective communication. No issue with Shona teachers who speak
Ndebele language. It’s not about a person but language.
“The Government should reverse the appointment of primary school teachers who
cannot speak local languages wherever they are deployed in Zimbabwe.
“The use of mother tongue at home and school enhances children’s connection to
their family, relatives, culture, history and identity. If the teacher starts off in a
language that the children don’t understand, the children may become nervous and
shut down.
“This is not helpful but a violation of children’s right to education, human rights,
cultural and language rights,” said Ncube, who is the former SDC chairperson for
Nswazi Primary School.
Another parent, who identified himself as Nqobizitha Nxumalo, had this to say:
“Our kids complain that they do not understand anything that is being taught as
language has become a barrier.
“Language barriers are contributing to the decline in Grade 7 and Ordinary Level
pass rates in Matabeleland,” said Nxumalo.
But, responding to the concerns from parents, Matabeleland South Provincial
Education Director, Beatrice Sibusiso Manjere, said they will work it out.
“We will try to work out that the teachers are transferred to schools where Shona is
taught.
“If parents decide to go the petition way, will take it up from there since it will be
easier for us. However, I have already engaged the District Schools Inspector to look
into the issue,” said the PED Manjere.
Ward 13 councillor, Jabulani Makhala, said they have not yet officially started work
but promised to look into the issue.
“It is unfortunate, that we have not started work as new office bearers.
“Nonetheless, I will go there to investigate this matter and come back to you with
whatever information I would have gathered,” said Cllr Makhala.
