Draft Zim constitution recognises Setswana

OARABILE MOSIKARE
Staff Writer | Friday March 29, 2013 00:00

The draft constitution states that the state and all institutions and agencies of government at every level must ensure that all officially recognised languages are treated equitably.

The state must also take into account the language preferences of people affected by governmental measures or communications. 'The State must promote and advance the use of all languages used in Zimbabwe, including sign language, and must create conditions for the development of those languages,' the draft says.

In addition to Setswana, the draft constitution says namely Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Khoisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Venda and Xhosa are officially recognised languages of Zimbabwe.

The state is called upon to promote public awareness of the constitution, in particular by translating it into all officially recognised languages and disseminating it as widely as possible.

The constitution is to be taught in schools and form part of the curricula for the training of members of security services, the civil service and members and employees of public institutions.

All persons and organisations, including civic organisations, are encouraged to disseminate awareness and knowledge of the constitution throughout society.