Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu, [email protected]
IN a fast-paced world shaped by technology, everything seems to be evolving in quick motion with social media threatening to dilute indigenous languages, which are the foundation of cultural identities that carry stories, traditions and worldviews from generation to generation.
But in the thick of it all, a new literary work has emerged from Matabeleland South to preserve the purity of local languages. Released on 9 February, Umphako Wabafundi, has quickly made its way from bookshelves into the classrooms.
The book has received official approval from the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education, through its Curriculum Development and Technical Services (CDTS) unit, as a supplementary textbook for schools. It is anchored on the recently-adopted Heritage-Based Curriculum (HBC) to preserve cultural identity through the use and promotion of indigenous languages.
Its author, Ndabezinhle Ndlovu, is not just teaching grammar, he is fighting for cultural preservation. The book is driven by a sobering observation of today’s classroom, where he has noted a sharp decline in core skills such as essay writing and comprehension.
“When you have a conversation with learners, you can hear that they are deficient in writing skills. The reason being that the reading culture is on the decline. Learners now follow social media stories, which do not equip them with the required skills,” Ndlovu observed.
To address this, Umphako Wabafundi acts as a vital learning tool, equipping learners with skills to master creative writing through short stories, encouraging active engagement with the language rather than rote learning. One of the most striking features of the book is its focus on preservation.
Ndlovu highlighted that IsiNdebele is under siege by “imported” words that replace traditional vocabulary. The book lists these fading words, providing exact meanings to ensure learners are not left in the dark.
“Imported words from other languages are slowly eating away the rich IsiNdebele vocabulary and if we don’t act now to preserve it, we might lose a lot. It’s important that learners know names of things surrounding them, what forms their food and daily activities.
“Most of IsiNdebele rich vocabulary emanates from such,” he warned.
For many modern students, traditional artefacts have become the stuff of, “folk stories” rather than everyday life. Ndlovu’s approach is refreshingly practical. Instead of merely describing items like isitsha (traditional bowl), he has included actual photographs.
“Traditional utensils have all but vanished from our shelves and mere talking about them does not benefit the learners. Exposing them to photographic material…will surely benefit them as they will know what they are being taught. Without some of these visual aids, learners might not believe that such things ever existed,” he said.
Ndlovu’s journey to becoming a vital voice in IsiNdebele literature is as storied as his writing. Born 59 years ago, in Gwanda North (Wenlock/eNqameni), he was the fifth of eight children. His education began at Sibona Primary School in 1973, surviving the interruptions of the war to complete his primary cycle in 1981. After pursuing A-levels in Bulawayo, he moved into the corporate world, excelling in Personnel Management. While his professional background may seem far removed from the classroom, Ndlovu credits it with sharpening his linguistic ear.
“My professional background connected me with people from different origins, thus, it exposed me to rich language use, especially in IsiNdebele. Working with people from different places also exposed me to various cultures and traditions. It made me calculate and realise the gap in what had to be taught to our learners, adults and the communities at large.”
The impact of this title extends beyond the students. Teachers find their burden eased by the provided answer keys, and the wider community benefits from the restoration of customs that Ndlovu believes are essential for national survival.
“Remember, a nation that does not know its customs and traditions is as good as dead.”
With his second book already gaining momentum through Ministry approval, Ndlovu is far from finished. He is already working on a third volume, aiming to cement his place in the Zimbabwean literary landscape.
“I believe the footprints I’ve already made in IsiNdebele literature are a legacy that will be enjoyed by communities and Zimbabweans at large today, tomorrow and in the future. The third book that I’m working on will be another footprint that will be engraved in stone.”— @MbuleloMpofu
