An analysis of teacher training in Gazankulu since 1969

Abstract

In this dissertation, the researcher has given a historical analysis of the Gazankulu teacher training between 1969 and 1990. Gazankulu teacher training is for the Shangana-Tsonga ( Machangana-Vatsonga) people. The training of Shangana-Tsonga people as teachers started in 1893. Gazankulu came into existence in 1969. Reference was made to the Swiss Missionaries who started such a training at Rikatla in 1893. From Rikatla, the training was transferred to Shiluvane area to be started as a Bible school in 1903. The Bible School was split into two sections, one of which became Lemana Training Institution in 1906. The other section was transferred back to Rikatla. Lemana served as a training institution for the MachanganaVatsonga or Tsonga-speaking people from 1906 up to 1968. When Gazankul u was established in 196 9, its teacher training commenced in the same year at Ti vumbeni Training School. Tivumbeni replaced Lemana. Both Lemana and Tivumbeni trained primary school teachers. The latter school however later changed to the training of secondary school teachers. After Tivumbeni, other teacher training institutions like Orhovelani, Hoxani, Giyani, Shingwedzi and Lemana were established in this order owing to the need to train teachers as determined by the Gazankulu Education Department. Gazankulu teacher training first paid attention to the training of primary school teachers between 1969 and 1972. As from 1973 a beginning was made for the training of secondary school teachers. Various teachers' certificates were offered in the Gazankulu teachers' colleges between 1969 and 1984. Teachers' diplomas replaced those certificates as from 1982.