Nqobile Tshili Chronicle Reporter
THE teaching of indigenous languages other than IsiNdebele and Shona might take longer in the country’s schools despite being provided for in the constitution as few candidates enroll for such courses in colleges, an official has said.Acting Principal for Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Polytechnic, Dr Ngoni Mhule Moyo, said while her institution offers courses in indigenous languages spoken in Matabeleland region, there was concern over low uptake.

“The state must promote and advance the use of all the languages used in Zimbabwe including sign language and must create conditions for the development of those languages,” she said.

Dr Moyo said since last year her institution has been offering Sesotho, Tjikalanga and Venda and only 137 students enrolled for the courses.

“For Sesotho we’ve 35 students, 33 females and two males. Tjikalanga we’ve 33 students of which 28 are females and five are males while in Tshivenda we have 69 students, 57 females and 12 males,” she said.

“The biggest challenge is low enrolment. It seems candidates who apply for teacher training courses are not willing to opt for indigenous languages and either choose Ndebele or Shona.”

Dr Moyo said developing indigenous languages requires a robust appreciation of the courses by students who would be deployed to schools to teach the subjects.

“This programme is at its infancy. Therefore, the programme will make a progressive impact as more and more students are enrolled,” she said adding, “As students filter into the schools, it is hoped that their presence will market the programme. At the moment one of the biggest challenges is low enrolment.”

Dr Moyo’s concern comes at a time when a storm is brewing over recruitment of non-Ndebele speaking teachers to Matabeleland schools, which critics blame for poor pass rate in the region.

Chapter 1, Section 6 of the new constitution recognises 16 official languages – Chewa, Chibarwe, Kalanga, Khoisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, Sesotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda, Xhosa, English and sign language.

The supreme law of the country says these languages should be treated equally and the government should promote their use.

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