In South Africa, a country with 11 official languages, it is common for schools to prioritise teaching the first language of the local community.
However, a recent incident at Esikhisini Primary School in Atteridgeville Saulsville, Pretoria, has sparked controversy. This particular school has been teaching Shona, a language native to Zimbabwe, as a subject.
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The decision to include Shona in the curriculum seems to be influenced by the fact that the School Governing Body (SGB) Chairperson is from Zimbabwe. This has raised concerns among some community members, including Kenny Kunene, the flamboyant businessman and deputy president of the Patriotic Alliance.
Kunene, accompanied by members of his party, recently visited the school to address this issue. He expressed his disapproval of teaching Shona and called for the removal of the SGB Chairperson.
Additionally, he suggested that Zimbabwean students should be replaced by local South African students.
“Today we went to Esikhisini Primary School to make sure that Shona is not taught at that school, and we also made a call for the Chair of SGB, who is a Zimbabwean, to be removed.
“Indeed, some kids are from Zimbabwe, and they must be replaced by South African kids. Salute,” said Kenny Kunene.
Today we went to Esikhisini Primary School to make sure that Shona is not taught at that school and we also made a call for Chair of SGB who is a Zimbabwean to be removed. Indeed some kids a from Zim and they must be replaced by SA kids. Salute pic.twitter.com/KwEtADSs90
— Kenny Kunene (@Kenny_T_Kunene) February 12, 2024
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This intervention by Kenny Kunene has sparked a debate about language instruction in South African schools.
While it is important to celebrate and preserve diverse languages, it is also crucial to consider the needs and preferences of the local community. The incident at Esikhisini Primary School raises questions about the balance between cultural diversity and the promotion of national identity.
