The national Department of Education has recommended that a local publishing company, Vhutsila, be used to produce the material for the Tshivenda language studies in the new curriculum (CAPS) next year. The series of grammar books titled Mbeu ya Luambo (The seed of language) will be used in grades seven, eight and nine.

The company’s founder, prominent Tshivenda author, TV and radio drama actor and stage writer Rudzani Tshianane, says they feel greatly honoured by this announcement. He says their books have unpacked the new syllabus in a user-friendly and informative manner. “As an infant, black-owned but very reliable and professional publishing company, we are proud to have achieved our desire and set goal,” he said.

According to Mr Tshianane, their books were produced by a team of experts. “Those who teach Tshivenda will love our books. The well-known author, Mudzulathungo Mmbi, is the leading author of our grammar series,” he adds.

According to Mr Mmbi, his goal is to preserve the Tshivenda language, which is gradually disappearing. Mr Mmbi is also an internal moderator of the CAPS exam and he says that it is important to try and ensure that the language is written and spoken correctly.

Since its inception in 2007, Vhutsila has published only two books, but this year their grammar and literature series of books was recognised and recommended nationwide for teaching and learning Tshivenda. One of the authors, Ms Maria Nevondo, says they were ecstatic when they heard that their material was selected ahead of many other publishers who had been in the field for many years.

“We’ve realised our language was lost and we invested the time in our work. If teachers use these books wisely, pupils will benefit enormously and revive their home language,” she says.