KALANGA LANGUAGE AND CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION , Yazwagwa inanlilo wamayi [email protected] +263 772 610 726 / +263 772 255 532 A TRIBUTE TO DR. MACLEAN BHALA 18 August 2014 Dr Maclean Bhala an uncompromising linguistic rights advocate IT was with deep shock and sadness that we learnt of the untimely death of Dr. Maclean Bhala who at the time of his demise was the Vice President of Kalanga Language and Cultural Development Association (KLCDA) – an organisation which he co-founded to advocate for the recognition of Kalanga language and culture in Zimbabwe. Through this community initiative he became a key player as a leader, advisor and overseer of a Kalanga textbooks writing project. This initiative culminated into the production of the first grade1-7 primary school textbooks currently used to teach Kalanga language in schools. The books were launched in February this year in Plumtree and Dr. Bhala gave a key note address on behalf of KLCDA at this event which marked a historic milestone in the struggle for the recognition of Kalanga. Dr Bhala was one of the finest and pro-development scholars who despite a busy schedule dedicated his time on programmes of social inclusion. His natural zeal for development dates back from the days of Bulilima Development Association otherwise known as BUDA and Venda, Tonga and Kalanga (VETOKA) initiatives of the mid 1980s aimed at pushing for the recognition of previously marginalised languages. Although he travelled a lot and mingled with people of different ethnicity, he remained unperturbed in his quest to see his language being recognised. Despite being a scholar in the scientific field he was proud and open about his language, he pencilled many unpublished Kalanga literary pieces. We are also humbled to note that Dr Bhala had unique interest in the academic development of indigenous languages to be elevated to university level including those previously marginalised. In recognition of his many outstanding contributions to the Kalanga Community, we say in tribute: Tjakabambiwa nenkololo waNkalange tjowobhudilila, ayibhatisaneni! These bare facts are not close to the whole story about Bhala’s contributions to our Kalanga Community. He possessed a superb leadership capacity for administration, with a combination of outstanding personal qualities which he shared generously with all. As Kalanga Association we express our profound gratitude to have had the opportunity to work with Dr Bhala. His wisdom, wit and warmth enriched our professional and personal lives. He was a delightful person and a wonderful friend and colleague. As he lies in state, we are proud that he has left a legacy that is going to be cherished by all baKalanga and the nation of Zimbabwe. We will miss him very much, but his legacy will continue to live with us for many years as we remember his thoughtful commentary and practical advice, his friendly smile, his humility and outstanding example of a rich personal and professional life. To the Bhala family we say thank you for sharing him so generously with us. Usaka’mbona angatiwhisise, usakagala nayepasi angagalebgwe tjatinoleba. Waalimbotana yehhowu inokuba bose.
Posted on: Mon, 18 Aug 2014 07:12:28 +0000
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