Chaos in class in Plumtree as learners clash with teacher Local By Silas Nkala | 4h ago Commotion reportedly started when their female teacher was teaching them the hierarchy of languages and culture and she said Shona was the most recognised language. File Pic THERE was chaos at Phakamani High School in Plumtree, Matabeleland South on Friday when learners challenged their teacher for allegedly trying to mislead them while teaching new heritage studies. Commotion reportedly started when their female teacher was teaching them the hierarchy of languages and culture and she said Shona was the most recognised language. Advertisements This allegedly did not go down well with the learners who said the Constitution equally recognised all 16 languages. The teacher is recorded saying, “In Zimbabwe we have 16 languages, Shona being the first language,” much to the chigrin of the learners. Contacted for comment, Primary and Secondary Education ministry spokesperson Taungana Ndoro yesterday said government’s Heritage-Based Curriculum recognises all 16 national languages including Sign Language. “Besides, no language is compulsory, even English is not compulsory. Therefore, the allegations do not represent government’s position and we are going to send a team to the school to investigate,” Ndoro said. Mthwakazi Republic Party leader Mqondisi Moyo said learners had the right to protest against the undermining of their language and culture. “I applaud the learners for knowing their right to their language and culture and resisting the imposition of other people’s language and culture on them,” Moyo said. “What happened at the school was a significant event marking a pivotal moment in the struggle for cultural preservation and educational equality." Moyo said distortions could trigger unnecessary tribal friction. “Tribal egotism can hinder national unity, social cohesion and inclusive development and can hinder Matabeleland learners' education and cultural heritage by imposing a dominant culture and language, marginalising or erasing Ndebele and other local languages, histories and cultural practices and limiting access to education and resources to other tribes,” he said. Related Topics Phakamani High School Plumtree Share this article on social Latest News Late Bishop Karlen remembered for confronting Mugabe over Gukurahundi Late Bishop Karlen remembered for confronting Mugabe over Gukurahundi Local By Nizbert Moyo 5h ago Chaos in class in Plumtree as learners clash with teacher Local By Silas Nkala 4h ago Man jailed 18 years for rape Local By Berita Kafesu 5h ago 80% of Matabeleland South roads damaged Local By Sharon Sibindi Feb. 2, 2025 Outrage over Thekwani fees hike Local By Sharon Sibindi Feb. 2, 2025 Recommended Articles Chaos in class in Plumtree as learners clash with teacher By Silas Nkala 4h ago Chaos in class in Plumtree as learners clash with teacher Suspected poacher arrested in Bulawayo By William Vundla 5h ago Suspected poacher arrested in Bulawayo Late Bishop Karlen remembered for confronting Mugabe over Gukurahundi By Nizbert Moyo 5h ago Late Bishop Karlen remembered for confronting Mugabe over Gukurahundi Man jailed 18 years for rape By Berita Kafesu 5h ago Man jailed 18 years for rape GET OUR NEWSLETTER Subscribe to our newsletter and stay updated on the latest developments and special offers! SUBSCRIBE CONNECT WITH US SUPPORT INDEPENDENT JOURNALISM OTHER SITES NewsDay The Zimbabwe Independent The Standard The Southern Eye HSTV ©2025. The Southern Eye. All rights reserved.