Two lawyers have petitioned the High Court of Zimbabwe to compel the Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Paul Mavhima to direct all schools to teach Ndebele, Shona and English on an equal time basis from ECD level up to Form 2 level.
The lawyers, Admire Rubaya and Tymon Tabana argued that the government is in willful violation of the law since 2006, that is, section 62(1) of the Education Act (Chapter 25:04). Tabana, who claims to be a Venda and fluent in the three languages, says in an affidavit filed with the High Court:
I was, however, also able to learn Shona from a very tender age. With time, I made it a hobby to learn other local languages.
I currently speak all the local languages in Zimbabwe which are recognised and such in section 6(1) of the Constitution of Zimbabwe, 2013.
I am a firm believer in the use of domestic languages and it is that belief that has led me to pursue proficiency and excellency in all of them.
I also wish the same for every Zimbabwean and would particularly want my children to be exposed to as many local languages as is possible.
Only three languages must be taught at school, what about other languages? Which means Zimbabwe is for 2 tribes and the colonial language.Think about other tribes if Zim is for everyone.Sad thing in Matebeleland people are forced to speak Shona in government offices,in primary schools,grade 1 are taught by Shona speaking teachers.Remember every tribe have their proverbs.Those teachers cannot even say ixoxo or ingqola.Someone from somewhere is in Matebeleland to destroy Ndebele language.It may sound tribal but it’s a fact.Honourable Mavima act on this.