The Great Zimbabwe University (GZU) has expressed great concern about the manner in which students of the Venda and Tsonga languages were responding to the two newly introduced programmes.

Prof Maravanyika of the GNU attributed the development to a lack of information, adding that the university intended to set up information centres in their main catchment areas, which include the Beit Bridge, Mwenezi and Gonakudzingwa areas.

“We introduced the TshiVenda and Shangaan (Tsonga) programmes two years ago, but, sadly, we continue to have fewer students enrolling. We have a big challenge in terms of disseminating information and therefore we need a more organized forum to circulate information to potential students. We will soon set up information centres in the three villages,” Maravanyika said.

The University of Venda (Univen) offered eight lecturers for the two programmes, including resources such as study materials. “We already have our staff, who are in the process of marking the examinations for the previous semester. We are glad Univen offered the lecturers to assist in the teaching of the programmes,” he said.

The degree programmes run for three years, with students taking up either of the two languages, together with two other courses. The students will then major in the language of choice in the final year of studies. The programme is open to anyone who is proficient in either of the two languages.

The university, formerly known as Masvingo State University, introduced the TshiVenda and Tsonga programmes in April 2008, following the signing of a memorandum of understanding with Univen in June 2007.

Meanwhile, Prof Maravanyika said the university also intended to introduce three more programmes for local languages, Tonga, Nambya and Kalanga, in line with their thrust for heritage reclamation study. “In fact, we are also looking for lecturers in graphic design and arts, filming and theatre production. We believe there is need for technology and knowledge on the study of our heritage sites, such as the Khami Ruins, Mapungubwe and Great Zimbabwe Ruins, so that our people can have adequate and well-researched information about our culture and heritage. We are also saying this kind of information should then be preserved in our libraries for future generations,” he said.