Gwanda community advocates for recognition of Tji Zhawunda language

Mthabisi Tshuma Online ReporterTHE community of Gwanda District, Matabeleland South Province, has started to make strides to ensure Tji Zhawunda is recognised as an official language in the country.Tji Zhawunda is a language that is spoken in some parts of Gwanda in areas that include Nsimbi, Switja and Garanyemba among other places.Zimbabwe officially recognises 16 languages namely Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa.Gwanda South legislator, who is also the Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting Services, Dr Omphile Marupi, said they are making moves to revive Gwanda traditions and cultures.“In line with President Mnangagwa’s mantra of leaving no one and no community behind, we are pushing for the introduction of Tji Zhawunda language. We want to honour the Zhawunda community noting that Gwanda is called Zhawunda because of the indigenous natives of Gwanda.“The recognition of Tji Zhawunda thus fulfills President Mnangagwa’s mantra. We have engaged the traditional leadership and local people to assist us in tracing the history and roots of the Jahunda language.

A language census done shows that areas around Garanyemba, Ntepe, Sengezane, Samlodi, parts of Bethel and villages around Buvuma and Selonga still speak Tji Zhawunda fluently,” said Dr Marupi.Dr Marupi who is also Deputy Minister of Information, Publicity and Broadcasting said the language will be introduced on radio.“While it is mostly spoken by the elderly, a few youths can still converse in the language.“As a way of preserving, promoting, resuscitating and developing the ramnants of the language, we have seen it noble to use radio to do the aforementioned,” said Dr Marupi.Follow on X :@mthabisi_mthireShare on FacebookPost on XFollow usSave

Originally published on Zimbabwe Herald

Source: Zimbabwe Herald