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By Lebo Nkatazo

A ZIMBABWEAN primary school in the small town of Ruwa, just outside the capital Harare, is introducing Mandarin Chinese language -- the first school to do so in Zimbabwe.

Old Windsow Primary School is owned by a Chinese investor, Ching-Chou Tsai, who has announced the plan.

Zimbabwe's government has announced that it is exploring possibilities of adding Chinese to language courses at the country’s universities.

Ching-Chou Tsai told reporters Tuesday: “Due to relations between our two countries we felt this would help in enhancing trade and improving understanding between our two people. We are here to fill the gap”.

Last year, Tsai threatened to close the institution after its School Development Association (SDA) announced that it would take over its running after a dispute over school fees.

Parents said charges were exorbitant.

The government, through the Ministry of Education, averted the closure after intervening on the side of the investor.

Chinese nationals have been making spirited attempts to make their presence felt in Zimbabwe after President Robert Mugabe extended an open invitation for them to invest in the country as part of his 'Look East' policy after being snubbed by America and Europe.

Cheap Chinese goods have since flooded Zimbabwean markets, sparking a volley of protests form the locals.

The Chinese Embassy in Zimbabwe together with the National Gallery of Zimbabwe will later this year hold an exhibition on Chinese explorer, Zheng He to mark the 600th anniversary of his voyages
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