Stop teaching Shona in Chipinge schools, says MP

Chipinge South CCC legislator Clifford Hlatshwayo has called for the removal of Shona as a subject in schools in Chipinge, arguing that learners should be taught in their indigenous Ndau language.

Speaking at the Matlharihasi Festival held at Hakamela Stadium in Chipinge South last Friday, Hlatshwayo described the teaching of Shona in a predominantly Ndau-speaking community as a form of colonisation.

He also called on the government to deploy Ndau-speaking teachers in the area to promote indigenous languages and preserve local cultural heritage.

"What pains me is that we are being forced to learn a language that is alien to us. We are Shanghani, we are Ndau, let us learn our language. Learning in Shona is colonisation. Government should support our indigenous language," said Hlatshwayo.

The legislator also criticised the introduction of Mbende Jerusarema dance as a compulsory component of the new Heritage-Based Curriculum, arguing that it did not reflect the cultural traditions of communities in Chipinge.

"We don't want our children to be taught Jerusarema dance, it's not their culture, we have our own dances and our children should be taught those dances in schools," he said.

Chief Gezani, one of the traditional leaders who attended the festival, backed Hlatshwayo's position, saying education in indigenous languages would help children understand and preserve their cultural identity.

"I support the MP. Teaching our children in their indigenous language will enable them to know and understand better their culture. This will help preserve the culture," said Chief Gezani.

Chief Tshovani of Chiredzi also supported the call for cultural representation in schools, saying his community's popular Xibelani dance should be taught to learners.

The festival was attended by traditional leaders from Chiredzi and Chipinge South, as well as representatives from the Gonarezhou Conservation Trust, Chilo Gorge and Save Valley Conservancy, among other stakeholders.