National

Legislators push for indigenous language promotion in schools

Published

9 months ago

July 24, 2024

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.

National

Coal train in flames: NRZ locomotive damaged in fire incident

Published

6 days ago

April 16, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY WANDILE TSHUMA

A National Railways of Zimbabwe (NRZ) locomotive suffered significant damage after catching fire while transporting export coal to Zambi. The incident occurred between Kalala and Matetsi sidings, resulting in the explosion of the locomotive’s fuel tanks.

According to the NRZ press statement on Monday, “A National Railways of Zimbabwe locomotive suffered some damages after it caught fire this afternoon while transporting export coal to Zambia.” Fortunately, the crew members on board managed to escape unharmed.

The NRZ responded swiftly to the incident, dispatching a rescue train with crews to the site. The team successfully extinguished the fire, preventing further damage. However, the locomotive itself sustained considerable damage.

The cause of the fire is yet to be determined, with investigations currently underway. “Investigations are already underway to establish the cause of the fire and the amount of damage to the locomotive,” the NRZ statement read.

National

Ranger killed by elephant in Kariba

Published

1 month ago

March 14, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI

A 62-year-old ranger, Josphat Mandishara, was tragically killed by an elephant in Kariba yesterday.

Mandishara, who worked for the Zimbabwe Parks and Wildlife Management Authority (ZimParks), was on patrol in the Gatche-gatche area with fellow rangers and police officers.

At around 10 pm, Mandishara returned to the harbor where their boat was docked, and that’s when he encountered the elephant. The elephant charged at him, causing fatal injuries. His colleagues were nearby, resupplying at the Gatche-gatche Irrigation Scheme.

Mandishara’s body was taken to Kariba District Hospital for a post-mortem, and the incident was reported to the police.

ZimParks has sent a team to manage the problem elephant and prevent similar incidents in the future.

The Director General of ZimParks, Prof. Edson Gandiwa, and his team have sent condolences to Mandishara’s family, friends, and colleagues. Mandishara will be remembered for his dedication to wildlife conservation in Zimbabwe.

National

ZIMRA customs officer appears in court for criminal abuse of office

Published

3 months ago

February 3, 2025

VicFallsLive

BY STAFF REPORTER

A Zimbabwe Revenue Authority (ZIMRA) customs officer, Phillip Kuvenga, has been accused of criminal abuse of office for allegedly assisting in the importation of banned motor vehicles.

Kuvenga, 28, who is stationed at Victoria Falls, allegedly received documents from clients, completed valuation sheets, and carried out the valuation process. However, he is accused of endorsing different chassis numbers to deceive his supervisors during the validation and approval process.

After obtaining approval, Kuvenga would capture the correct chassis numbers in the ASYCUDA World System. He would then alter or replace the documents submitted earlier to his supervisors.

The offense came to light when a motor vehicle that had not yet arrived in Zimbabwe was found to have been already registered. A thorough check by ZIMRA led to Kuvenga’s arrest.

Kuvenga appeared in court on February 1, where he was denied bail by Magistrate Gift Manyka. He is expected to appear in court again today for another bail hearing.