San community highlights language preservation concerns
Providence Moyo
The San community in Tsholotsho celebrated International Mother Language Day yesterday with a mixture of joy and concern. While recognizing the importance of their indigenous Tswao language, community members expressed anxieties about its potential disappearance due to limited literacy and lack of comprehensive development initiatives.
The event, held at Gariya tagged “Language Fun Day” and supported by Culture Fund, saw participation from various community members. Davy Ndlovu, Director of the Tsorotso San Development Trust, emphasized the critical role of language preservation, particularly considering the limited written documentation by the elderly who currently hold the knowledge.
“The most notable aspect of this event is the community’s willingness to learn the language,” Ndlovu stated. “However, the lack of comprehensive development support from stakeholders, including local authorities, poses a significant challenge. The complex nature of Tswao necessitates targeted literacy programs engaging both the elderly and young generations to bridge the knowledge gap and ensure cultural continuity.”
Echoing Ndlovu’s sentiment, Chief Goledema, the first San Chief installed last year, stressed the importance of language in empowering and uplifting the community.
“We began promoting Tswao in 2011, but the number of proficient speakers remains low,” Chief Goledema remarked. “This lack of fluency undermines our confidence and identity, leading to a sense of marginalization. This has impacted our community’s ability to pursue initiatives, highlighting the need to embrace our language and culture as a foundation for self-belief and development.”
The event included various activities showcasing the San community’s history and traditions, with participants learning basic greetings in Tswao. This year’s International Mother Language Day theme, “Multilingual education is a pillar of intergenerational learning,” resonated deeply with the community.
As Zimbabwe celebrates its diverse linguistic heritage, the San community in Tsholotsho serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by minority languages. Their story calls for increased attention and support towards initiatives that promote literacy, cultural preservation, and the empowerment of indigenous communities.
