Denson Kulube
Bongani Ndlovu, Showbiz Correspondent
FORMER radio personality Denson Kulube has penned three books to promote and develop the SeSotho language and traditions in schools.
The books are Lefa la lipolelo (Sotho proverbs and idioms), La Thirima Litsomo Tsa Basotho (a compilation of stories) and The milk people’s language/Bua Le Rona (Sesotho general reference book).
Kulube, a former ZBC radio – National FM presenter said his dream was for Grade Seven students to be examined for SeSotho, just like the Tonga language.
“SeSotho is being taught in schools and the material is there. What’s left is for the responsible authorities to approach Zimsec and see how it will be examined by the board.
“Hopefully they’ll agree and SeSotho will be used at schools as part of the curriculum like Tonga language. When our children are taught the language, it’ll be easy for the culture to be preserved,” said Kulube.
Bua Le Rona, was written in English as a medium to teach people how to pronounce words in SeSotho.
“In ‘The milk people’s language/ Bua Le Rona’, I used English to teach people how to pronounce some words in SeSotho as English is a universal language. I also used the phonetic alphabet (a system for transcribing the precise sounds of human speech into writing) to teach people how to pronounce words in SeSotho for a better understanding of the language.
“This is a technique I used extensively when I was learning other languages,” said Kulube.
He said he had written the books for future generations to use as reference while also keeping record of the customs of the Sotho people.
In addition, the writer, who can speak over nine local languages, said penning the books was his contribution to the fulfilment of the tenets of the country’s constitution. According to Chapter One section six of the constitution, the country has 16 official languages and Sotho is one of them.
“I was part of the team that translated the constitution from English to local languages. I was also among those who lobbied for all local languages to be recognised as official languages.
“Since SeSotho is recognised as one of the 16 languages in the constitution, writing the books is my way of preserving the language,” said Kulube.
The books which are expected to be launched soon will be available at various book shops.
“People will be able to read the books at the Edward Ndlovu memorial library in Gwanda and at schools in and around Gwanda town. For now, I’ve limited copies as I’m yet to publish them for sale,” said Kulube.