THERE was chaos at Phakamani High School in Plumtree, Matabeleland South on Friday when learners challenged their teacher for allegedly trying to mislead them while teaching new heritage studies.
Commotion reportedly started when their female teacher was teaching them the hierarchy of languages and culture and she said Shona was the most recognised language.
This allegedly did not go down well with the learners who said the Constitution equally recognised all 16 languages.
The teacher is recorded saying, “In Zimbabwe we have 16 languages, Shona being the first language,” much to the chigrin of the learners.
Contacted for comment, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro yesterday said government’s Heritage-Based Curriculum recognises all 16 national languages including Sign Language.
“Besides, no language is compulsory, even English is not compulsory. Therefore, the allegations do not represent government’s position and we are going to send a team to the school to investigate,” Ndoro said.
Mthwakazi Republic Party leader Mqondisi Moyo said learners had the right to protest against the undermining of their language and culture.
“I applaud the learners for knowing their right to their language and culture and resisting the imposition of other people’s language and culture on them,” Moyo said.
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“What happened at the school was a significant event marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for cultural preservation and educational equality."
Moyo said distortions could trigger unnecessary tribal friction.
“Tribal egotism can hinder national unity, social cohesion and inclusive development and can hinder Matabeleland learners' education and cultural heritage by imposing a dominant culture and language, marginalising or erasing Ndebele and other local languages, histories and cultural practices and limiting access to education and resources to other tribes,” he said.
