A fight for the mother tongue | Ndebele learners marginalized as parents threaten school exodus
n By Dumisani Ndlovu n nn n SHURUGWI—Tensions erupted into formal confrontation at Dorset Seventh Day Adventist School this week, where a crisis over linguistic marginalization overshadows the educational future of Ndebele-speaking students
anostrofy By Dumisani Ndlovu
SHURUGWI—Tensions erupted into formal confrontation at Dorset Seventh Day Adventist School this week, where a crisis over linguistic marginalization overshadows the educational future of Ndebele-speaking students. The investigation into the matter coincided dramatically with the school’s annual speech and prize-giving ceremony, during which angry parent representatives formally submitted a petition demanding immediate intervention from school and government authorities.
The petition, a copy of which is in possession of this publication and bears 15 signatures, details the profound community concern in Dorset Resettlement, Ward 21. Parents are demanding the urgent recruitment of qualified Ndebele-speaking teachers, arguing that the current staffing deficit is causing immense academic harm and threatening the integrity of their culture.
“This is not just a staffing issue—it’s cultural sabotage,” asserted Themba Mlalazi, a central figure among the concerned parents. Mlalazi, writing on a local development platform, was quick to clarify that the cause is genuine and non-partisan: “Our cause is genuine—it’s neither political nor tribal. We are advocating for the promotion of local languages. It’s unacceptable to elevate English while sidelining our indigenous languages. That’s simply unimaginable.”
The core grievance revolves around the struggle faced by young learners whose foundation years are being taught in a language they do not fully grasp, primarily Shona.
“Primary school and pre-school are the foundation of every learner,” explained Siphosami Ndlovu. “If that foundation is empty, nothing will work properly. We are building failure from the ground. How can a child learn when they are taught Ndebele in a language they don’t fully understand?”
Donald Moyo stressed the philosophical weight of the situation: “This is a betrayal of our children’s future. Language is not just a tool for communication—it’s the vessel of our values, our stories, our pride. Denying our children Ndebele teachers is like cutting off their lifeline to who they are.”
While the community insists the crisis has been mounting, Shurugwi District Education Inspector (DEI), Simoli Makwati, claimed she was unaware of the severity of the situation. “I didn’t know about this; it is news to me. While I know very well there are Ndebele learners in Dorset, no one approached our office about this,” she stated.
The community, however, has proposed a direct solution, pointing to the availability of qualified local teachers who are currently posted elsewhere. Obert Ndhlovu, from Asvoldraai Farm, questioned the deployment policies: “We have capable people in our community who are trained teachers. Why not recruit them? Yet some have no jobs and some are serving Matabeleland communities?”
The villagers are resolute, warning that if the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education fails to act decisively, they will enforce their threat to withdraw their children and enroll them in schools that respect their heritage.
“We are not asking for favours,” stated Ndhlovu firmly. “We are demanding our rights. Our children deserve to learn in their mother tongue. Our culture deserves to survive.”
This is more than a staffing dispute; it is a fight for the preservation of Ndebele identity, which has been integral to the community since 1980. The parents’ message is clear: they will not stand idly by as the lifeblood of their culture is threatened with extinction.
