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Paul Mavima.

Nqobile Tshili, Chronicle Correspondent
THE number of isiNdebele Grade Seven public examinations candidates dropped by more than 2 000 this year and the Government attributed the decline to the promotion of other indigenous languages.

In 2015, 52 315 isiNdebele candidates were registered at Grade Seven with the figure dropping to 49 481 this year.

The Deputy Minister of Primary and Secondary Education, Professor Paul Mavima said the drop was due to pupils opting to study other indigenous languages.

“We are promoting all languages and this might have affected isiNdebele as some pupils are now learning Tonga or Sotho instead of isiNdebele.

We however don’t expect a big drop in the number of candidates taking specific languages,” said Prof Mavima.

He said even in Mashonaland, some pupils were learning isiNdebele as part of the programme to promote the use of all indigenous languages.
Historian Mr Pathisa Nyathi said the drop in the number of isiNdebele examination pupils was a positive development because it was a confirmation that other indigenous languages were being examined at Grade Seven.

“We should celebrate that Tongas are writing their own language. That is something positive and good for the country,” he said.

— @nqotshili