Yebo! Khuluma with Christo
A local resident has launched an NPO, through which he hopes to tackle the country's language barrier.
“WE live in a country that is linguistically divided. Very few people outside of the African community can speak isiZulu,” said local resident, Christo Spetsiotis, last week as he spoke to Northglen News about his newly launched NPO, The Siyakhuluma Project.
He believes that the divide is perpetuating fear, distrust, prejudice and racial segregation among the province’s communities. This has prompted Spetsiotis to launch the organisation, through which he hopes to provide affordable, accessible and practical isiZulu lessons in Durban.
Siyakhuluma in isiZulu means ‘we are talking’. “I chose this name because I want to get people talking,” he said.
The optimistic tour operator maintains that bridging the gap will facilitate understanding, acceptance and integration. “I primarily started this project, because I wanted to learn isiZulu, but in my quest I was shocked to discover how difficult it was to find affordable and accessible lessons. At one stage I found a class in Assagay, but while it was affordable it wasn’t accessible, and I missed several classes. Universities and other institutions, however, charge thousands of rands for lessons. People are eager to learn as they know how logical and practical it would be to be able to speak and understand isiZulu. People are tired of hearing a language they do not understand,” he said.
La Lucia resident, Rachel McCann, who is one of the students, echoed Spetsiotis sentiments. McCann, who moved from England to South Africa four years ago said she had experienced similar frustrations. The young mother said she merely wants to learn the basics. “It is just respectful to be able to say ‘please’ and ‘thank you’. It is a step in the right direction,” she said.
Spetsiotis said he has often been approached by international tourists who have made similar observations. “They always ask me why white and indian people can’t speak isiZulu. I mean if you had to go to Italy surely you would learn to speak Italian, so why is KwaZulu-Natal (KZN) such an exception? The simple answer, I believe is that, it hasn’t been made accommodating. My frustration further fueled my obsession and motivation,” he said.
The pilot project, which ended in November saw 16 interested students absorb practical isiZulu lessons at the George Bezos Greek School at the Hellenic Community Centre. The project currently has one lecturer, Tholani Hlongwa, who is volunteering her skills.
The lessons will continue next year at R25 per lesson. “I hope to broaden the reach, and to offer classes in various schools in Durban and KZN. I am also hoping to offer the lessons for free and am appealing to any sponsors and lecturers who could assist,” said Spetsiotis.
