Resituating Indigenous Languages and Identities As Outlined in the New Constitution of Zimbabwe: a Historical Analysis

Lawton Hikwa

Resituating indigenous languages and identities as outlined in the new constitution of Zimbabwe: a historical analysis

Lawton Hikwa (PhD) in the founding provisions of the Constitution; Dean: National University of Science and culture; and, the preservation of traditional Technology, Zimbabwe knowledge as espoused in the national objectives

of the same Constitution. Further, language and Abstract culture are analysed as fundamental human rights and freedoms. The role of independent Pre-colonial and post-colonial Zimbabwe commissions as supporters of democracy is also maintained the exogenous English language as interrogated in the context of resituating the official language while at the same time languages and identities in the new Constitution. recognising and including Shona and Ndebele as The article also discusses how libraries are a link the main indigenous languages at the exclusion of between generations within languages and many other languages. This exclusion of other identities because they store, index and allow for indigenous languages and identities has been a the retrieval of information that is referenced source of controversy due to varied historical accordingly. Finally, the article highlights the role interpretations and analysis. The dominance of of traditional leaders and how their recognition Shona and Ndebele in addition to the exogenous and inclusion in the Constitution resituates English language intensely divided the nation indigenous languages and identities in along linguistic lines. Linguistic hegemony, while Zimbabwe. largely attributable to the dominance of a foreign Key words: indigenous languages, language such as English, equally applies to the indigenous identities, Zimbabwe, pronounced dominance of Shona and Ndebele as Traditional Leaders; traditional indigenous languages and identities in knowledge Zimbabwe. The recognition and inclusion of other indigenous languages and identities in Introduction addition to Shona and Ndebele are counter- hegemonic. Based on the recently enacted The constitution-making process in Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. Zimbabwe was led by a Select Committee 20) Act 2013, this article makes an historical of Parliament on the New Constitution analysis of and resituates indigenous languages (COPAC). The process was driven by the and identities in Zimbabwe. It outlines the Global Political Agreement (GPA) that recognition and inclusion of indigenous languages was signed in September 2008 by the

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Zimbabwe African National Union- south, Botswana to the Patriotic Front (ZANU-PF) led by southwest, Zambia to the northwest Robert Mugabe, and the two formations and Mozambique to the east. Historically, of the Movement for Democratic Change the country was a site of many prominent (MDC), namely, the MDC-T led by kingdoms and empires, as well as a major Morgan Tsvangirai, and the MDC-N led route for migration and trade. Zimbabwe by Welshman Ncube (Global Political was first demarcated by Cecil John Agreement 2008). These were the parties Rhodes' British South Africa Company that were represented in Parliament after (BSAC) in the 1890s before becoming a the 2008 harmonised elections (Dzinesa self-governing colony of Southern 2012). The GPA was brokered by the Rhodesia in 1923. In 1965 the Southern African Development white minority government unilaterally Community (SADC) and it ended the declared independence from Britain. The election dispute of 2007 between unrecognised state endured international Tsvangirai and Mugabe, leading to the isolation and civil war between the formation of an inclusive government government and Black Nationalist forces. that came into place in February 2009 This resulted in a peace agreement and (Dzinesa 2012). independence in April 1980.

The Republic of Zimbabwe (formerly Zimbabwe is an ethnically diverse Southern Rhodesia), is a landlocked country with 16 official languages (20 country located in southern Africa, working languages, according to some between the Zambezi, in the north and sources) (Constitution of Zimbabwe Limpopo, in the south rivers. It borders Amended (No. 20) Act, 2013). with South Africa to the

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Figure 1: Language Map of Zimbabwe (Reproduced with permission from www.Imp.ucla.edu)

The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amended Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, (No. 20) Act 2013 recognises the Tswana, Venda and Xhosa (Constitution importance of languages in its Founding of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act Provisions. The officially recognised 2013). Further, the Constitution states languages of Zimbabwe are Chewa, that “an Act of Parliament may prescribe Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, other languages as officially recognised Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, languages and may prescribe languages of

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Lawton Hikwa record” (Constitution of Zimbabwe is outlined that the State should Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013: 17). “preserve, protect and promote State, institutions and agencies of indigenous knowledge systems, including government are compelled to ensure that knowledge of medicinal and other all the officially recognised languages are properties of animal and plant life treated equitably and to consider the possessed by local communities and language preferences of those affected by people” (Constitution of Zimbabwe governmental measures or Amendment (No.20) Act 2013: 23). communications. Overall, “the State must promote and advance the use of all In the declaration of rights, the languages used in Zimbabwe, including Constitution charges the State and its sign language, and must create conditions institutions and agencies; and, every for the development of those languages” individual and juristic persons to respect, (Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment protect, promote and fulfil the rights and (No.20) Act 2013: 17). freedoms set out in the supreme law (Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment Further and as one of the National (No.20) Act 2013). Objectives, the fostering of fundamental rights and freedoms is enshrined in the Purpose of the study Constitution. Also included here is Based on the recently enacted Culture, and specifically that the State and Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment other “institutions and agencies of (No. 20) Act, 2013, the article is an government are compelled to promote historical analysis that attempts to and preserve cultural values and practices resituate indigenous languages and which enhance the dignity, wellbeing and identities in Zimbabwe. Specifically, the equality of Zimbabweans” (Constitution article outlines: - of Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) Act 2013:19). Citizens are also are compelled  the recognition and inclusion of to endeavour to preserve and protect the indigenous languages in the founding country’s heritage. The State and its provisions of the Constitution of institutions and agencies must also adopt Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) measures that ensure “due respect for the 2013; dignity of traditional institutions”  the recognition and inclusion of (Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment culture; and, (No.20) Act 2013:19). In regard to the  the preservation of traditional preservation of traditional knowledge, it knowledge as espoused in the

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national objectives of the same and Ndebele as indigenous languages and Constitution. identities in Zimbabwe. The recognition and inclusion of other indigenous languages and identities in addition to In addition, language and culture are Shona and Ndebele are counter- analysed as fundamental human rights hegemonic. and freedoms. The role of independent Sources of information commissions as supporters of democracy is also interrogated in the context of The selection of information depends on resituating languages and identities in the what one wants to know and what part of new Constitution. Finally, the article a specific field of subject one has decided highlights the role of traditional leaders to study. Any study will involve an and how their recognition and inclusion examination of some published (and even in the Constitution resituates indigenous unpublished) key material relevant to the languages and identities in Zimbabwe. subject. For the purpose of this article a number of sources were consulted. Statement of the problem The Constitution Pre-colonial and post-colonial Zimbabwe maintained the exogenous English The Constitution of Zimbabwe language as the official language while at Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2013 was the the same time recognising and including primary source of information for this Shona and Ndebele as the main analysis. This was because it was the direct outcome of events that resulted it indigenous languages at the exclusion of its enactment; many other languages. This exclusion of other indigenous languages and identities Commissioned Studies has been a source of controversy due to A commissioned study on the Zimbabwe varied historical interpretations and Constitutional process was consulted. In analysis. The dominance of Shona and this instance the Zimbabwe’s Ndebele languages in addition to the Constitutional Reform Process: exogenous English language intensely Challenges and prospects report by divided the nation along linguistic lines. Gwinyayi A. Dzinesa provided the Linguistic hegemony, while largely necessary data and the writer did not have attributable to the dominance of a foreign to repeat the exercise; and, language such as English, equally applies to the pronounced dominance of Shona Monographs

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Printed monographs are secondary Chimhundu et al. 1998; Maseko and source material for information which in Ndlovu 2013; Mkanganwi 1992; Ngara general provides what would be standard 1991; Satyo 1992; Sow et al. 1979; and reference. Concerning the particular Viriri 2003). subject of this article, there was virtually nothing written in standard reference Below is a model (cf. Figure 2) depicting books about resituating indigenous language problems in Africa. The languages and identities as outlined in the problems presented are also linked to New Constitution of Zimbabwe. educational policies and governance. Monographs that are cited in this article Mazrui and Mazrui (1998) aver that are useful when discussing the general language planning is part of broad social principles that apply to relevant topics in engineering that can be used to achieve the subject under study, for example, the other goals such as political participation political economy of information. and national integration. In such a context, national cohesion should prevail Theoretical framework and and co-exist with linguistic and cultural review of related literature diversity (Webb and Kembo-Sure 2000).

The article is conceptually derived from The social functions of language are said Section 6 of the Constitution of to be instrumental and symbolic (Mugane Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act, 2003), albeit also context-dependent. 2013 which recognises and guarantees the Language is instrumental in that it official status of sixteen languages. This informs or expresses desires and links very well with several studies that intentions, binds community groups, and sought to resituate indigenous languages facilitates active participation in societal and identities into correct historical and activities. It is also symbolic in that it is cultural contexts (Chimhundu 1993; an organising tool for identity formation.

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Restricted access to knowledge and skills

Low Linguistic productivity and and ineffective cultural Language- performance alienation in the based workplace Problems in Africa

Inadequate political participation by the National public, division manipulation, discrimination and and conflict exploitation by the ruling elite/powers

Figure 2: Language-based Problems in Africa. Developed from Webb and Kembo-Sure 2000 Methodology to assist in grasping the reality with which society is dealing (Kumar n.d.); and, The new Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 20) Act is fairly recent. Literature Searching The main techniques used for collecting The writer searched for relevant information in this article were: published and unpublished literature so Historical Analysis as to acquaint himself with previous research on the statement of the study. This article employed the historical analysis method. Historical analysis can The above research methods were be defined as the effort to obtain a more employed in order for the writer to complete picture of a historic situation by discover and be aware of the available exploring its historical and structural literature relevant to the statement of the relationship. Historical analysis is a tool study. The methods also allowed for the

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Lawton Hikwa gathering of enough documented and in remained the accepted official language. some instances unpublished evidence, This was because of the colonial legacy hence good groundwork for research. right across English-speaking Africa Finally, the research methods enabled the where the English language was writer to solicit other people’s opinions perceived to be “the language of national about the statement of the study and consciousness, integration and identity” weigh them against his beliefs and (Mugane 2003: 71). In such a scenario, gathered evidence. indigenous languages were confined to the home and informal settings. The The article is, however, not without English language was perceived as a shortcomings. The following factors language for upward mobility. The probably affected the entire pattern of the somewhat latent resistance and article: marginalisation of indigenous languages With the Constitution of Zimbabwe can be summed up as a creation by a sub- Amendment (No. 20) Act 2013 being conscious satisfaction over what linguistic fairly recent, there was barely any heterogeneity can offer (Mugane 2003). standard literature available dealing with This marginalisation of indigenous the statement of the study. Published languages has had some repercussions in works relevant to the statement of the regard to the overall information study included preliminary reports and infrastructure in Zimbabwe and how papers presented at seminars and such languages can be used to build and conferences: and, sustain state-society relations. Some The time factor was also a major studies indicate that most glaring shortcoming. The writer could only shortcomings in regard to the review related literature outside his transmission of information are not with normal work schedule. No funding or the transmission itself but rather the any form of sponsorship was available for reception of what is being transmitted the study and thus a limited scope was (Lundu 1996). Those falling outside the preferred. scope of dominant languages, in this case, Shona, Ndebele and the exogenous Discussions English, are excluded from social, cultural and political activities. An emerging Prior to the enactment of the new consensus, also supported by Ogot Constitution, the Zimbabwe government (2002), is that every language and culture albeit acknowledging Shona and Ndebele has pervaded another and left its own as national languages, English largely

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Lawton Hikwa mark. Ethnic singularity is viewed as a ethnically diverse nation-state” (Mugane colonial construction where the aim was 2003: 72). to create un-contaminated communities. Unfortunately, both colonial and post- The importance of language in any colonial regimes manipulated ethnicity as society cannot be over-emphasised. captured in language. This put paid to the Nevertheless, it is important to point out old adage of divide and rule which has no the following six facts about the room in modern-day polity. importance of language:

New thinking seems to acknowledge and  it is a medium of communication; appreciate ethno-linguistic hybridity,  it is a means of expression; arguing that such hybridity should be  it captures memory; marshalled into a dynamic national  it is a source of power; language policy. The hybridity “underpins  it guarantees biodiversity; and, the inalienable right for languages to co-  it is a right (of a person or a people). exist and enrich each other (Mugane 2003: 72). The concerted effort to Following is a table explaining the above resituate indigenous languages in six facts about the importance of Zimbabwe is an appreciation of this language. possibility. “Equally, it is an effort to recognise the need for the creation of national unity, and philosophy, in an

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Table 1: The Importance of Language

The Importance of Language Explanation Medium of communication Mirrors one’s identity and is an integral part of one’s culture. It is the soul of culture. Means of expression Allows the participation of people in community activities and fosters a culture of democracy. Captures memory It encapsulates human creativity and originality and peepholes ideas nurtured over time into explainable heritage, local traditions and customs. Source of power It creates opportunities for cultural identity and upward social mobility. Guarantees biodiversity Biodiversity and knowledge of local ecosystems are guaranteed through eco-linguistic preservation. It is a right It emerges as a reason or pretext for conflict or pedestal for tolerance through the exercise of language rights.

Adapted from Moja, I. (n.d.). Mazwi: a Zimbabwean Journal [Online] Available from: http://www.mazwi.net/essays/the-importance-of-language. [Accessed 15 January 2015]

The inclusion of other languages (in language and good practices that prevail addition to only three as was the case in in modern and developing democracies. the previous Constitution) in the new Constitution of Zimbabwe resonates well As a first, the new Constitution of with popular scholarly feeling that Zimbabwe establishes five Independent governments in African countries should Commission to support the country’s inscribe the place of indigenous languages young and developing democracy. The in their constitutions (Mugane 2003). Commissions are the: “Constitutional provisions fortify the role  Zimbabwe Electoral of language in national affairs. In South Commission; Africa, the constitution has clear  Zimbabwe Human Rights stipulations on language. Constitutionally, Commission; the official languages of South Africa are  eleven and there are other crucial Zimbabwe Gender Commission; statements regarding the place of other  Zimbabwe Media Commission; languages” (Mugane 2003: 74). This puts and, the Zimbabwe constitution in good stead  National Peace and in regard to the social functions of Reconciliation Commission.

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 The general objectives of these Nevertheless, indigenous languages and Independent Commissions are to: identities allow for the transmission of  Support and entrench human local material culture and non-material rights and democracy; culture. Such culture (or information  Protect the sovereignty and about it) is stored, preserved and interests of people; disseminated for human continuity and benefit “from the knowledge and skills of  Promote constitutionalism; others” (McGarry 1981: 38). Library and  Promote transparency and information systems and services become accountability in public a “storage system to transmit these institutions; benefits over time” (McGarry 1981: 38).  Secure the observance of Libraries are therefore, a storage system democratic values and principles that facilitates the transmission of by the state and all institutions knowledge and information in indigenous and agencies of government, and languages and identities. They are a link government-controlled entities; between generations within languages and and, identities because they store, index and  Ensure that injustices are allow for the retrieval of information that remedied (Constitution of is referenced accordingly. Zimbabwe Amendment (No.20) Act 2013). Some scholars have argued that the survival of indigenous languages and While all the six Independent identities is threatened (Okore et al. 2009; Commissions have a bearing on IFLA 2008; Stevens 2008). Libraries can resituating indigenous languages and in regard to this, provide “resources and identities, the Zimbabwe Media expertise in collection, organisation, Commission is the one that specifically storage and retrieval” of material in refers to the official languages of the indigenous languages (Stevens 2008). country among its functions. It Already some libraries have made specifically says the Commission is “to progress in preserving local languages and encourage the use and development of all cultural identities in paper and digital the official languages of Zimbabwe” formats and promoted the exchange of (Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment information (Okore et al. 2009). Through (No.20) Act 2013: 98). This is obviously indigenous languages and identities, in reference to the media and how they indigenous knowledge transforms into a employ and/or deploy all the sixteen contemporary body of knowledge that official languages in their work.

Lawton Hikwa calls for the deployment of heritage of their communities, communication and information including sacred shrines; technologies (ICTs) for such knowledge  to facilitate development; to be accessible in libraries (Okore et al.  to administer communal land to 2009). protect the environment; and, Democracy and respect for human rights  to resolve disputes amongst (linguistic rights in particular) are ends in people in their communities in themselves among various and varied accordance with customary law. human aspirations. However, they are The role of traditional leaders and their also means for attaining human recognition and inclusion in the development, whether at individual or Constitution helps resituate indigenous collective level. Development in this languages and identities in Zimbabwe. context should be interpreted to mean Language is a medium of communication that process in which people are freed that mirrors one’s identity and is an from exploitation (South Commission integral part of one’s culture. Similarly, 1990). language is a means of expression, Finally, the Constitution recognises the allowing people to participate in institution, status, and role of traditional community activities and in turn foster a leadership under customary law. “A culture of democracy. Language also traditional leader is responsible for captures memory, that is, encapsulating performing the cultural, customary and human activity and originality and traditional functions of a Chief, head situating ideas nurtured over time into person or village head, as the case may explainable heritage, local traditions and be, for his or her community” customs. As a source of power, language (Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment creates opportunities for cultural identity (No.20) Act 2013: 110). Further, the and upward social mobility of people. Constitution outlines the functions of Biodiversity and knowledge of local traditional leaders, which are: ecosystems are guaranteed through eco- linguistic preservation. Lastly, language  to promote and uphold the emerges as a reason or pretext for cultural values of their conflict or pedestal for tolerance through communities and, in particular, to the exercise of language rights (Moja, I. promote sound family values; n.d.).  to take measures to preserve the

culture, traditions, history and

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Conclusion

What is important in this article is the References interpretation of the information and the situation so that a trend can be set for the Chimhundu, H. (1993). The status of possible future resituating of indigenous African languages in Zimbabwe. languages and identities as outlined in the Harare: SAPEM Literary Series. new Constitution of Zimbabwe. Also Chimhundu, H. et al. (1998). Report on important is the articulation of the use of the formulation of a national indigenous languages and identities in the language policy. Harare: National organisation, storage and retrieval of Language Policy Advisory Panel. indigenous knowledge in libraries. In this Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment way it is the writer’s hope that the article (No. 20) Act, 2013 (2013). will be a contribution to the provision Harare: Government Printers. and improvement of these essential Dzinesa, G.A. (2012). Zimbabwe’s requirements in a society that is striving Constitutional reform process: to raise its standard of democracy challenges and prospects. through unity in diversity and a common Wyneberg: The Institute for desire for freedom, justice and equality Justice and Reconciliation. and resistance to all forms of domination Global Political Agreement (2008). and oppression. Agreement between the Zimbabwe African National The inclusion of other languages in the Union–Patriotic Front (Zanu-PF) Constitution in addition to Shona and and the two Movement for Ndebele and the exogenous English Democratic Change (MDC) should be a source of linguistic and Formations on resolving the cultural harmony. The exogenous English challenges facing Zimbabwe. is no longer as hegemonic as it was in the Harare: Government Printers. past. Similarly Shona and Ndebele as International Federation of Library indigenous languages and identities no Associations and Institutions. longer enjoy the dominance, at least 2008. IFLA statement on constitutionally, they had in the past. indigenous traditional knowledge. [Online]. Available from: http://www.ifla.org/publications /ifla-statement-on-indigenous-

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