KWANDEBELE – The Mpumalanga department of Education led by MEC Bonakele Majuba visited the Ndzundza Mabhoko Royal House on Saturday, May 18, 2024 to deliver a progress report to His Majesty, iNgwenyama yesitjhaba samaNdebele wakwaNdzundza, uMabkoko lll on the improvement of the learning and teaching of IsiNdebele Language within the Province.
The MEC acknowledged that more still needs to be done to grow the extent of IsiNdebele in Mpumalanga while he shared how the journey started and what has been already, “In 2021 we came here (Ndzundza Mabhoko Royal House) and they requested us to improve IsiNdebele and we worked hard by introducing IsiNdebele in Delmas”. “We made sure that we employ teachers and also learners to study IsiNdebele and further brought study material and everything they needed”.
Working closely with the department of Education, Delmas based organisation, Endumbeni Cultural & Creative Arts Centre worked tirelessly to make sure that IsiNdebele is taught in primary schools within the Victor Khanye education Circuit. Through a collaborative approach, IsiNdebele is in Grade 6 in most schools. Speaking during the event, Endumbeni Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Sipho Mahamba outlined the plans in place to ensure further reach of IsiNdebele to all places where Ndebele people are found “ We made sure that IsiNdebele is taught in Ogies, Middelburg, and Emakhazeni, the goal is to make sure that by 2025 we reach Gert Sibande district”.
His Majesty iNgwenyama Mabkoko lll welcomed the report and expressed his appreciation on the jobs created, “We are happy for all the progress done and we are happy for the teachers employed.” The royal house further acknowledged the work done by MEC Majuba in particular as they indicated that no other prior education MEC has done what Majuba did in expanding the reach for the language and went to make a plea that if it happens that a new MEC gets appointed he/she must continue where Majuba left off.
As we celebrate Africa Month where celebration indigenous languages, arts, and cultural is encouraged the department extended a word of gratitude to organisation who contributed towards the successful introduction of IsiNdebele where other languages were the Ndebele people. “I wish to take this opportunity to extend our profound appreciation to all our stakeholders, Endumbeni Cultural & Creative Arts Centre, National Education Collaboration Trust, Pan South African Language Board and all other stakeholders.
Indeed, we extend our greatest appreciation to His majesty for the visionary leadership and guidance. Siyathokoza Ndabezitha,” Majuba concluded.
