The government has been petitioned to address the alleged marginalisation of the Bubi community in Matabeleland North amid complaints that authorities continue to deploy teachers that do not speak local languages.
Bubi constinuency recently hogged the limelight after its MP Simelisizwe Sibanda was hastily removed from his position of Higher and Tertiary Education minister by President Emmerson Mnangagwa after he harangued a primary school teacher, who does not speak isiNdebele.
Mnangagwa last week reversed his decision with government officials claiming that Sibanda had ‘profusely’ apologised for his conduct.
The Bubi villagers in their petition directed at the ministries of Primary and Secondary Education, Health and Child Welfare, Higher Education, Mines and Mining Development and Transport and Infrastructural Development said the district has been lagging behind in terms of development since 1980.
The petition was also copied to Matabeleland North Provincial Affairs and Devolution minister Richard Moyo.
“We, the undersigned, respectfully submit this petition to bring to your attention pressing concerns that affect our communities, livelihoods, and future,” reads part of the petition
“It is with grave concern that, as law-abiding citizens, we present our woes to you, as they have immensely affected the well-being of our community in a highly negative manner.
“In writing this letter, we are guided by Section 59 of the constitution of Zimbabwe (No.20) Act 2013, which gives us, as citizens, the right to present petitions peacefully.”
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They said lack of qualified teachers was one of the major problems that contribute to under development of their communities.
“We urged the Ministry of Primary and Secondary Education to promote and ease the fair provision of quality, inclusive, and relevant infant, junior, and secondary education,” the petitioners wrote.
“Our problems are limited access to qualified local teachers and teaching resources (such as at the ECD level), with inadequate support for local language and cultural heritage education.”
They added: “In Bubi district, we have 55 primary schools supplying 17 secondary schools, resulting in only 30% of our primary students being absorbed into secondary schools. Where is the other 70% going?
“We need more secondary schools and limited programs and courses offered, with few focusing on local needs.
“There is brain drain, as talented students seek opportunities abroad. There is insufficient support for research and innovation, hindering local development, limited emphasis on science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education.”
Nick Mangwana, the government spokesperson, said although he had not seen the petition the government’s policy on devolution was meant to address such issues.
“This policy empowers the Bubi villagers or any other community to make decisions on which issues should be high on the pecking order within the contesting priorities,” Mangwana said.
“In terms of sustainable mining methods, the petitioners may be pleased to know that President Mnangagwa has launched a number of sustainable mining initiatives.”
There has been an outcry about the alleged marginalisation of Matabeleland communities since the Robert Mugabe era with activists saying the region was set back by the Gukurahundi genocide soon after independence.
