Tonga classes gather momentum:Dozens of Tonga books outsourced across Zambezi

By Luumuno Siangoma Mudenda

Nelson Mandela once said, “If you speak to a man in English he will understand you but if you speak to him in his own language he will reason with you.” For almost two decades after independence, most society tribes were not recognized in the country, all ten provinces wrote either Ndebele or Shona, which are still recognized as the official languages in Zimbabwe to some individuals.

 Chi Tonga is one of the languages which was termed to be marginalized just like its people.Of current most people still consider the Tonga people as a backward community which is affiliated to poverty.The constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) ACT 2013 came as the long awaited manna, to alleviate language grievances of the BaTonga people and other marginalized tribes.

Mr Maxwell Munenge,with some of the books which were purchased in Zambia

Basilwizi have managed to assist in promoting the teaching of Tonga in schools. Being an Organization which has its vision on uplifting the Valley people, they have facilitated the item writers of the Tonga language at ‘0’ level in collaboration with Zimbabwe School Examination Council (ZIMSEC) and Curriculum Development Unity( CDU) and they also  assisted schools by purchasing Tonga novels from Zambia. These novels include Mubekwabekwa, Ayuma Malweza and Nyoko Ngumwi.

“The whole process of purchasing Tonga books for schools from Zambia has enlightened the Zambezi valley communities.it is now clear that exclusion for our communities from learning their own languages in school prevented them from equal recognition and exercising their social and cultural life. I salute Basilwizi, it has a program that is unique and relevant to a people that have been marginalizes for years “says Maxwell Munenge,the officer responsible for the purchase of the books.

The three Tonga set books purchased from Zambia

Schools only paid for the book fee and the rest of expenses which include transport, fuel, upkeep of the driver and duty was funded by Basilwizi Trust. A total sum of one thousand and forty-eight books were bought, Nyoko Ngumwi, three hundred and forty two, Mubekwabekwa, three hundred and sixty six and Ayuma Malweza three hundred and forty respectively. Schools are really appreciating the work being done by the Organization.

“It would have been very difficult if schools individually bought from Zambia considering the expenses involved. Basilwizi have truly represented us as far as the teaching of Tonga is concerned and we do hope they continue to support us”says Albert Chaguma ,Tonga teacher at Pashu Secondary.