School heads accused of undermining isiKalanga

SOME headmasters in Matabeleland South have been accused of undermining Kalanga as they're reluctant to have the language taught at their schools.

The Kalanga Language and Cultural Development Association (KLCDA) has said Kalanga text books are lying idle in some primary schools in the province, a year after the books were dispatched.

The Chairperson of the association, Tshidzanani Malaba said 205 primary schools from Bulilima, Mangwe, Matobo and Tsholotsho Districts received the books last year, but the language is not being taught at some schools.

"All primary schools in Bulilima, Mangwe and Matobo Districts received the Kalanga text books for Grade 1 to 7 classes and about 25 schools from Tsholotsho got the books," said Malaba.

"However we've received reports that only a few schools are using these books. It appears that some headmasters have an attitude towards teaching of the Kalanga subject in their schools."

He said the association would next month visit the schools to ascertain why the books are not being utilised.

Malaba said follow ups would be conducted in all 205 schools that had benefited under the Kalanga text book scheme.

The Provincial Education Director for Matabeleland South province, Tumisang Thabela said her office was not aware that some schools that benefited from the Kalanga book scheme had not started teaching Kalanga.

She said they would, however look into the matter.

"I'm not aware that such a situation is prevailing but we'll get in touch with the District Education Officers from the relevant districts in order to make a follow up on the issue," said Thabela.

"However it could be possible that some school heads may not understand the urgency of teaching the Kalanga language if they undermine it. This year is the first to have Kalanga examinations at Grade 7 and our hope is to have all schools writing."

KLCDA secretary for publicity, Mandla Tshuma said his association's priority for the year was to publish text books for secondary schools.

He said they were also targeting to ensure that relevant authorities correct distorted Kalanga names.

Tshuma also said they planned to accelerate the translation of the bible and hymns into the language and establish a scholarship fund that will assist excelling and disadvantaged children.

He said they were also working on publishing a Kalanga dictionary in both hard and electronic copies, including an audio diction. The KLCDA is an organisation that promotes Kalanga language and the people's rich culture.

For the first time Grade 7 pupils will sit for Kalanga examinations this year.