BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

It was a lively debate in the Parliament of Zimbabwe as MPs discussed the motion tabled by Discent Bajila on promoting indigenous languages in schools.

“I stood up to support the motion…the issue of our indigenous languages is very important,” said Spencer Tshuma.

“We were colonised by the whites and that is why we love the English language…we were lost as a nation and it should be rectified in the shortest possible time so that we can develop as a country.”

Another MP added, “We used to pray in our local languages. We would use our local languages to talk to our ancestors who would then take our prayers to God…why is it that such things are changing on a daily basis?”

They emphasized the need for children to learn in their local languages, saying “it will be easy for them to learn and it will also be easy for the teacher to teach them.”

Sithabisiwe Moyo for Bubi/Umguza expressed her happiness about the motion.

“I am really happy about this motion which pertains to the discussion of having children being taught in their native languages so that they grow up articulating and appreciating their mother language.”

Elizabeth Masuku, also from Bubi/Umguza supported the motion, stating “this motion is not merely a nod to cultural preservation, it is a profound step towards fostering inclusivity, enhancing comprehension and fortifying our national identity.”

Others also noted that trying to speak in a foreign language may lead to a breakdown of communication.

Finally, Taurai Dexter Malinganiso emphasized the need for action.

“We therefore require a deliberate action, deliberate policy with which to preserve our languages, promote the same in a manner that salvages our identity from this marauding quest by the erstwhile colonisers to actually down our heritage.”

Biatah Nyamupinga, who had spoken earlier, was also in agreement with the motion, highlighting the importance of understanding local languages in healthcare, particularly in discussing diseases like cervical cancer.

Recommendations from the debate included:

– Including indigenous languages in the school curriculum from an early age

– Providing funding and resources for the development of teaching materials in local languages

– Encouraging the use of local languages in schools, especially for subjects like Biology, Science, and Maths

– Supporting cultural programs that promote local languages and heritage

– Developing technology to facilitate communication in local languages.

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

The children of Zimbabwe’s war veterans are crying out for help, and it’s time we answer,” said Tendai Pinduka, sparking a passionate debate in the National Assembly. The recent discussion was prompted by a petition from the Children of War Veterans and Heroes Dependents Forum, which called for economic empowerment and support for war veterans and their families.

As the Members of Parliament (MPs) shared their personal experiences and concerns, the room was filled with emotion. “We need to honour our heroes and recognize their sacrifices,” said Madron Matiza, citing the Bible’s teaching that “those who have worked deserve to be given food.” He urged his fellow MPs to listen to the voices of war veterans and support their ideas and contributions.

Susan Matsunga, a child of a war veteran herself, shared her painful experiences and called for action.

“We need to implement plans to support war veterans and their children, including access to education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. We owe it to them.”

The MPs emphasized the importance of amending the Veterans of the Liberation Struggle Act to consider children of war veterans seeking further education beyond the age of 18. Others stressed that the Constitution and the Act guarantee the rights and benefits of veterans of the liberation struggle and their dependents.

“We need to fully fund the War Veterans Fund to support their welfare and economic empowerment,” he said Kudakwashe Mananzva added, “This is not just about benefits; it’s about honouring the sacrifices of our parents.”

As the debate came to a close, Desire Nkala summarized the MPs’ sentiments: “We must support war veterans and their children, particularly in education, healthcare, and economic empowerment. We must implement the War Veterans Act and consider all who contributed to the liberation struggle.”

The National Assembly’s debate sent a clear message: Zimbabwe’s war veterans and their families deserve recognition, support, and empowerment. As Pinduka said, “We must answer the cry for help from our heroes’ children.”

BY STAFF REPORTER

Finance minister Mthuli Ncube and 2 other Zanu PF candidates who were poised to become MPs uncontested will now face elections.

The Supreme Court on Thursday overturned a High Court judgement barring 12 Citizens Coalition for Change candidates from running for MP in Bulawayo, defusing a huge political row that threatened to engulf Zimbabwe’s general elections on August 23.

CCC leader Nelson Chamisa had declared, without detail, that “there will be no elections” if his candidates were prevented from running in the party’s traditional stronghold.

The 12 and four others from smaller parties were thrown out of the race by the Bulawayo High Court which ruled that they had filed their nomination papers after the 4PM deadline on June 21, which they strongly denied.

A three-panel bench of the Supreme Court, by unanimous decision, ruled that their names should be restored on THE ballot.

Justice Tendai Uchena, presiding, said: “”This is a unanimous decision of the court. After carefully considering the matter, it is our decision that the appeals be and are hereby allowed with costs. The judgement of the court a quo (High Court) be and is hereby set aside.”

The judges went on to amend Justice Bongani Ndlovu’s controversial judgement which had allowed appeals by 12 Zanu PF activists styling themselves as “registered voters.”

“The (High Court) applications are hereby dismissed with costs,” the new order reads.

Justices Uchena, Alfas Chitakunye and Hlekani Mwayera said the reasons for their judgement would follow.

The appeal by the CCC 12 was anchored on technicalities as their lawyers argued that the Zanu PF activists had approached the wrong court in the High Court, on a matter on which the Electoral Court has exclusive jurisdiction.

They also argued that the main piece of evidence relied upon, an unsigned document from the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission, was inadmissible as it was hearsay.

The lawyers also argued that the applications were fatally defective in that they gave the twelve candidates 48 hours to file their notice of opposition instead of ten days, against established rules of the court.

Unusually, the CCC candidates were supported by the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission which filed affidavits before the court, arguing that the candidates whose nominations were being challenged all met the 4PM deadline.

Thursday’s judgement means finance minister Mthuli Ncube (Cowdray Park), deputy industry minister Raj Modi (Bulawayo South) and Tendai Charuka (Bulawayo Central) – who would have all won unopposed – now have an election to prepare for with the restoration of their CCC challengers. SOURCE: ZIMLIVE