adminSukulwenkosi Dube, Plumtree Correspondent
THE Kalanga Language and Cultural Development Association (KLCDA) will this week launch five Kalanga books in addition to those that have already been published by members of the association.
The chairperson of KLCDA executive committee, Tshidzanani Malaba, said the book launch in Plumtree on Friday would be graced by the Minister of Higher and Tertiary Education, Science and Technology Development, Professor Jonathan Moyo.
Malaba said the books written by Ntandoyenkosi Dumani, Belthazor Mlalazi, Ntobeko Sibanda and Nomathemba Ndlovu were meant to assist with the effective teaching of the Kalanga language in schools and institutions.
“Our organisation seeks to develop and promote the Kalanga language and culture and one way of doing this is through production of literature. We’re launching these books as part of our efforts to boost the Kalanga literature,” said Malaba.
Zwitunho nezwitetembelo zweBaKalanga, a book written by Dumani is centred on Kalanga totems and praise names.
“Zwitunho nezwitetembelo zweBaKalanga traces the totems and praise names in Kalanga surnames while Gombalume Pedzani, a book written by
Mlalazi has a story of colonialism and the liberation struggle and how it unfolded in BuKalanga.
“Matukuta, Malopa Nemihodzi is a poetry book written by Belthazor Mlalazi and it traces the hardships that befell the nation at different times of the history of Zimbabwe.”
Another book, Kwakati Kulintolo written by Nontobeko Sibanda, Nomathemba Ndlovu and Ntando Dumani is a collection of 16 folk tales written for all age groups.
Kalanga Basic Vocabulary written by Nontobeko Sibanda, Nomathemba Ndlovu and Ntando Dumani contains the first words one needs to learn in TjiKalanga.
“This book is ideal for beginners in TjiKalanga and those who work among BaKalanga and need to master the spoken language within a short time.
Malaba said KLCDA’s partnership with UNICEF and the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education had seen them publish and distribute
TjiKalanga primary school textbooks in Bulilima, Mangwe and other Kalanga speaking districts.
He said a TjiKalanga dictionary would soon be launched with the Bible also set to be translated into Kalanga.
Online Reporter