Mduduzi Mathuthu terribly sorry about Shonalised Chronicle

The editor of the state owned Chronicle newspaper Mduduzi Mathuthu responded to calls by Bulawayo residents who have accused Chronicle of being insensitive to readers in Matabeleland after the paper published two stories in the front page of its Saturday edition, full of quotes written in Shona without translation.

Mathuthu said he is terribly sorry to all their readers who are 'rightly' outraged and promised to rectify the issue. Mathuthu says the Shonalising of Chronicle was one of the things he noted when he joined the paper.

In his Facebook response, Mduduzi Mathuthu said: "Thanks guys for your comments. These have been noted. I must say it was one of the things I noted when I joined the paper. We share stories with the Herald who unfortunately allow Shona in their stories, despite being an English paper. We get these stories late at night and when I am on duty I insist that we use the English interpretation. I have engaged my colleague, Herald editor Cde Caesar Zvayi on this before and obtained assurances he would fix this. I will be re-engaging him again. In the meantime, Cde Inno Madonko the acting editor of the Chronicle has assured me we will not have this happen again. I am terribly sorry to all our readers who are rightly outraged."

Costa Mpofu refused to accept the apology, "I dn't accept your sorry, because we are always insulted, that the Ndebeles are not educated, because they want to go SA, yet the truth is Zanu wants to eliminate us. Police force 0.9% Ndebele 99,1 Shona, teachers 17,5% Ndebele 82,5 shona."

Mduduzi Mathuthu responded to Costa Mpofu saying: "Mr Mpofu unfortunately I am only the editor of the Chronicle, I'm sure your other grievances can be addressed by other offices."

Ngqabutho Mabhena was more understanding, "You are forgiven Mathuthu, l asked on my wall if you are still the editor, thanks for the explanation Chief."

Caesar Zvayi, the Herald editor, also said he has "noted" the concerns of the people of Matabeleland and we assume he will translate Shona quotations to English.

Webster Nkiwane thanked Mathuthu for stepping in and stated that he "appreciates his explanation and bravery to step in."

Cassias Jays Simana Mpofu want Bulawayo residents to send a clear message to Chronicle, he said, "Let the people send a clear message to those responsible for that by not buying the paper for the whole week."