South African poet Koleka Putuma bounces back after 7 years

South African poet Koleka Putuma is set to release her second poetry collection titled "We Have Everything We Need to Start Again" in summer 2024. 

The collection will be published by Hot Key Books and will feature illustrations by Adriana Bellet. 

The book will address a wide range of themes and experiences, including mental health, sexuality, gender, climate change, and identity. 

Putuma hopes that the collection will serve as a companion for readers as they navigate transitions and discoveries. 

The book is set to release in June 2024 in the US and UK, with an earlier release in South Africa.

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Renowned Poet Dr Lawrence Hoo Leads Movement for Global Equality, Puts Africa at the Forefront

Acclaimed poet and activist, Dr Lawrence Hoo, is set to deliver a powerful poem that calls for fairness, respect, and recognition of Africa's contributions to global knowledge and research. 

The poem, titled A Journey Of Discovery, will be read at an event on October 31st, aimed at raising awareness and garnering support for a mission dedicated to anti-racism, decolonisation, and restoring Africa's rightful place in research.

Dr Hoo, who has been recognised for his groundbreaking work in educating school children about African history, accepted the commission because it aligns with his passionate beliefs. The poem emphasises Africa's role as the cradle of civilisation and highlights the disparities caused by the exploitation and undervaluation of its contributions by countries in the Global North.

The poem introduces The Africa Charter, a movement aimed at redressing power imbalances and reversing the prejudices caused by the creation of race. Dr Hoo sees this as a great opportunity for change and collaboration, stating that it is crucial for everyone to be on board in order to create a fairer and better society.

The event, hosted at the M Shed, brings together researchers from the University of Bristol, specialists in decolonisation, Africa, anti-racism, and inclusivity in research, along with representatives from local communities and the higher education sector. The aim is to establish Bristol as a model and advocate for the principles and objectives of The Charter. By giving Africa a more prominent role in global transdisciplinary research, pressing issues such as climate change, pandemics, and poverty can be addressed more effectively.

The African Charter for Transformative Research Collaborations was launched in July and has garnered support from over 100 institutions globally. It seeks to rebalance and enrich the science and research ecosystem by overturning historic disparities. The Perivoli Africa Research Centre (PARC) at the University of Bristol, in partnership with the University of Cape Town and the University of South Africa, has facilitated the creation of this ambitious charter.

The event will provide an opportunity for discussions on Bristol's perspectives regarding The Charter and its implications. By endorsing The Charter, institutions globally are committing to creating a level playing field that promotes equal opportunity and international scholarship.

Dr Lawrence Hoo's poem serves as a rallying call for change, urging individuals and institutions to recognise and rectify the injustices perpetuated by systemic discrimination. Through the transformative power of research collaborations, Africa can reclaim its rightful place as a knowledge powerhouse and contribute to addressing the world's most pressing challenges.

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Meta unveils #EbaSafeOnline Comic Book in SA for parents and children

Meta, in partnership with Ethnikids Publishers, has launched its first youth and safety comic book, #EbaSafeOnline, to promote online safety. The comic book aims to empower parents and teens on how to navigate social media safely.

The comic book, available in all eleven languages except sign language, was unveiled at Tasha's at Mandela Square in Sandton on Monday. It serves as a powerful tool to encourage open communication between parents and their children by addressing the issues that the youth face in the digital world.

Oluwasola Obagbemi, corporate communications manager at Meta, stated that the company has a holistic approach to safety. The launch of #EbaSafeOnline is a first of its kind in South Africa by Meta and demonstrates their commitment to creating a safer online environment for young people.

Online safety has become a growing concern as more young people engage in social media platforms. With the rapid advancement of technology, it is crucial for both parents and teens to be aware of potential risks and take necessary precautions to ensure a positive online experience.

The comic book provides a creative and engaging way to educate parents and teens about online safety. By using relatable characters and addressing real-life issues, it encourages discussions and promotes understanding between parents and their children.

Meta's initiative is commendable as it recognizes the importance of fostering a safe online environment for young people. By equipping parents and teens with the necessary knowledge and skills, they can make informed decisions and protect themselves from potential dangers online.

The #EbaSafeOnline comic book is free of charge.

Physical copies of the publication will be handed out to schools that Meta to visit to promote the comic book, while the online version is also free and can be downloaded by scanning the QR code.

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Author Mariana Zapata gets over a Quarter BILLION views on TikTok

Mariana Zapata is a former indie author who recently signed a trade deal for her latest best-selling novel, The Wall of Winnipeg and Me. She also has an excellent handle on TikTok — at last check, she had over a quarter billion views!

 Mariana lives in a small town in Colorado with her husband and two oversized children — her beloved Great Danes, Dorian and Kaiser. 

When she’s not writing, she’s reading, spending time outside, forcing kisses on her boys, or pretending to write.

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New book gives you an energetic guide to landing your ideal job in any market

In his coaching manual for job applicants, author Parker delivers an energetic, helpful, and thought-provoking guide to improving job-applying skills. 

The book offers a methodical strategy for success in the job search process, from assessing marketability to mastering the interview.

One of the book's strengths is Parker's sharp and forceful tone, which sets it apart from other wishy-washy self-help books in the genre. Job seekers are often overwhelmed with advice on resume writing, interview skills, and understanding potential employers. Parker cuts through the noise and provides clear and practical guidance, using graphics, bullet points, and anecdotes to convey information effectively.

The author's emphasis on the importance of understanding one's marketability is particularly valuable. He encourages readers to assess their skills and qualifications relative to the demands of the job market. By adopting a "limitless mindset," job seekers can position themselves as ideal candidates for their dream positions.

Parker covers every aspect of the job search process, including resume formatting, researching companies, and mastering the interview. His advice on interviews is especially insightful, reminding readers that they are essentially selling themselves and their credentials. He warns against common mistakes such as being unaccommodating during scheduling, asking irrelevant questions, and talking too much instead of listening.

Throughout the book, Parker supports his points with anecdotal examples that make them relatable and easy to understand. This approach helps readers connect with the material and see how it applies to their own situations.

Overall, Parker's coaching manual is a valuable resource for job seekers looking to improve their chances of success. Its energetic tone, helpful strategies, and thought-provoking insights make it a must-read for anyone seeking to enhance their job-applying skills.

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Check out the shortlist for the 2023 South African Literary Awards!

The shortlist for the 2023 edition of the South African Literary Awards (SALA) is out. Out of the 219 submissions received, 30 titles made it to the shortlist.

Founded by the wRite associates in partnership with the national Department of Arts and Culture (DAC) in 2005, the aim of SALA is to pay tribute to South African writers who have distinguished themselves as groundbreaking producers and creators of literature. 

It also celebrates literary excellence in the depiction of South Africa’s histories, value systems, philosophies and art as inscribed and preserved in all the official languages of South Africa.

The panel of 34 judges spent months rigorously reading, scrutinizing, and scoring the 219 books they received through the November 2022 call for submissions.

Here is the 2023 shortlist with the individual categories:

Children’s Literature Award

1. Sinathi Mpukwana – Unakho
2. Irene Berman – Flap! Rattle! Stomp!
3. Kabelo Kgatea – Tutu le Lulu
4. Molebatsi Bosilong – Montsane le Motho
5. Mr Philip de Vos – Tokkelossiebossie en ander dol gedoentes
6. Claudette Browne Storrar – Nelly and Sam Thwala.

First Time Published Award
1. Ayanda Chris Mntwapi – Bohlulwe Kukusa
2. Ntloro Charlotte Pebane – Lerato La Lepheko
3. Shevlyn Mottai – Across the Kala Pani
4. Zodwa Zondi – Alitjhingi Linganandaba

Youth Literature Award
1. Annelie Ferreira – Dit het alles begin met ‘n hond
2. Dianne Stewart – Time of the Swallows
3. Kobate John Sekele – Makgoma A Dihlong
4. Onke Mazibuko – The Second Verse
5. Makwena Nkwana – Go tseba mang?
6. Mihlali Blackie – Ukuzazi Ukuzithemba Nokuzamkela

Sello Duiker Memorial Literary Award
1. Dimakatso David Mokwena – Here Comes the Gay King

Poetry Award

1. Vuyisile Msila – Yombela
2. Kaka Mokakale – Tswina ya poko
3. Anelisa Thengimfene – Amajingiqhiw’ entlalo
4. Michèle Betty – Dark Horse
5. Stephen Symons – Small Souls: New and Collected Poems

Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award
1. Terry-Ann Adams – White Chalk

Creative Non-Fiction Literary Award
1. Mandla J. Radebe – The Lost Prince of the ANC: The Life and Times of Jabulani Nobleman ‘Mzala’ Nxumalo
2. Siphiwo Mahala – Can Themba: The Making and Breaking of the Intellectual Tsotsi, a Biography

Literary Translators Award
N/A

Novel Award
1. Sipho Kekezwa – Intlungu yokuhlalwa lilahle emhlana
2. Kobate John Sekele – Re Hwile La Pitsana
4. Thivhusiwi Tshindane Tshivhula – Hone Hu Tshi Tea U Maliwa Nga vhugai
5. Fred Khumalo – Two Tons O’ Fun

The SALA Awards ceremony will take place on November 7 at the Madiba Banquet Hall, Potchefstroom, North West Province. The award ceremony will be a finale of the 11th Africa Century International African Writers Conference (ACIAWC).

Congrats to the shortlisted writers!

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Check Out the Beautiful Cover for South African Model Shudufhadzo Musida's New Children's Book!

South African model Shudufhadzo Musida is coming out with another children’s picture book this October titled I Am Shudu: Finding my Voice, Knowing my Strength. 

The book is published by Jacana Media and is an empowering coming-of-age tale inspiring children to follow their dreams.

The book is illustrated by Chantelle and Burgen Thorne. The cover of the book is absolutely stunning and features a lifelike illustration of Musida with a silver crown on her head, long gold earrings, and a gorgeous necklace and golden dress. 

Her skin is glowing with confidence and beauty. The bottom edge of the cover depicts a row of cityscapes to denote all the towns she has lived in during her lifetime.

Although it is a simple cover, it does a great job illustrating the key themes of the book and attracting the reader’s attention. According to the publisher’s synopsis, 

“Shudu’s happy and carefree childhood seems very far away when she moves towns and is bullied by her new classmates for being an outsider. But her special friendships help her feel like she belongs.” Deep inside, Shudu has a spark, a special kind of strength that she didn’t even know was there.

The book encourages readers to find their voice and be themselves, like Shudu. Musida announced the book and the cover on Instagram, hoping that the book will be empowering to young children.

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16-year-old Limpopo poet already cashing in by performing at parties, churches, weddings and funerals

Lulama Andrecia Shiviti, also known as N’wa-Xiyakana The Poet, is a talented poet from Thomo village outside Giyani.

 Growing up, she developed a love for poetry, initially reading English poems. However, her perspective changed when she witnessed Limpopo poets performing in their home languages. 

This experience instantly captivated her, and she decided to embrace her own culture and language in her poetic expression.

Lulama is the second-born of Letisa Mabunda and Kamazu Shiviti, and her family currently resides in Gawula. Initially, she performed poems written by others, but in 2017, she began writing her own pieces. 

Her passion for poetry was ignited at church, where she was introduced to biblical poetry by her Sunday school teacher. Since then, she has been driven to promote Africanisation through her work and help young Tsonga individuals preserve their cultural roots.

As a proud Tsonga girl, Lulama draws inspiration from renowned poets such as N’wa Jika The Poet, Ntombhi ya Mutsonga, and N’wa-Mbhuri. She particularly resonates with N’wa Jika’s motto, "Let the village girl shine," and believes that now is the time for young poets like herself to shine. 

In July, she participated in the Limpopo Poetry Slam Competition, where she achieved second place. Additionally, she was crowned Miss Ndzalo Foundation 2023 first runner-up.

Lulama's ultimate goal is to become a professional poet and inspire young people to discover their hidden talents rooted in African literature.

 She actively performs at various events, including funerals, weddings, churches, and parties. If you wish to connect with Lulama, you can reach her at 063 527 7263.

Lulama Andrecia Shiviti, N’wa-Xiyakana The Poet, is a rising star in the poetry scene. With her passion for her culture, dedication to her craft, and desire to empower young people, she is poised to make a significant impact in the world of poetry and beyond.

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Cleo Wade Asks Us to Extend Grace To Ourselves in New Poetry Collection 'Remember Love'

Remember Love is author, artist and poet Cleo Wade’s latest collection of poetry. But before it was available to the masses, it was a mantra she repeated to herself.

 Wade needed the reminder as she navigated the changes motherhood invited into her life and while she navigated postpartum depression.

 
She writes about the experience in the collection: “It’s hard to love a stranger. It’s extra hard when change has turned you into the stranger.”

But more than just adjusting to motherhood, Remember Love: Words for Tender Times is about renewing our relationship with love as we grow, change, shift and adjust to the challenges of life.
For Wade, remembering love looked like accepting this new version of herself and extending grace.

 
“I realized I didn’t know how to love myself when I didn’t feel like myself,” she tells ESSENCE. “If I was moving slower, I was like, ‘Why are you moving so slow? What’s wrong with you?’ I was treating myself like I was broken when really I was just different and required a different type of healing and love for myself.”

From there, she considered all the times where she had to adjust the way she cared for herself. She has a section of the book dedicated to heartbreak, another to letting go. 

In another, she discusses worthy rebellions and asks us to consider a series of questions: “In hustle and grind culture, is there room to love ourselves? Does my pace have to be the pace of the world? Because the pace of the world does not leave room for me to love myself.”

Wade hopes that the words found in Remember Love will be timeless, but she also feels that they are particularly relevant right now, when we’re all, as the subtitle suggests, feeling tender. 

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Celebrating poetry with words, music, prizes and warmth in Warnham

Paul G Terry and the Freedom Ensemble introduced the musical element of the programme with a performance of Rise Like Lions, Paul’s own composition inspired by Percy Bysshe Shelley’s great radial poem The Masque of Anarchy.

 The performance began with a reading of the final lines of the poem by Teresa Gooda from the Shelley Memorial Project.

The celebration continued with the presentation of prizes to the winners of the Shelley Memorial Project’s annual poetry competition by the poet Roger McGough and competition judge Simon Zec. Tl

The prize winning poems were read by Mark Ramey, who received the first prize, Elizabeth Barton, recipient of the third prize and Morag Warrack who was awarded the Sussex Cup for the best poem from a Sussex -based poet. 

Teresa Gooda read the second placed poem, written by Paul Francis who was unable to attend in person. All winning poems addressed the Spirit of Rebellion, one of Shelley's key poetic themes, with a range of approaches that were inspired and moving.

The prize giving was followed by a reading by Barry Smith of two of Shelley’s greatest poems, Ode to a Sky Lark and Ozymandias, set beautifully to music by guitarist Chris Hardy.

The evening concluded with a brilliant performance by one of Britain’s best known and best loved poet’s Roger McGough. 

His readings of a selection of poems reflected on life with humour and compassion. Interspersed with anecdotes about his own life, from his early years to his ninth decade, Roger’s performance exuded a warmth that could be felt in every corner of the building despite the slight October chill outside.

The evening was ably and entertainingly compered by Chris Aldridge who concluded the evening with thanks to the event sponsors; The Steyning Bookshop and The Radical Tea Towel Company, and to the team at St. Margaret's church Warnham for their help in making the event such a success.

All proceeds from the event go towards the Shelley Memorial Project's objective of commissioning a permanent public memorial to Shelley. 

For more information about the Shelley Memorial Project visit the website https://www.shelleymemorialproject.co.uk or contact: shelleymemorialproject@btinternet.com

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Three Eastern Cape teenage writers scoop cash prizes ranging from R3,500 to R500 in the Vrij and Karuna Harry Young Writers’ Competition

Three talented writers have been announced as the winners of the Vrij and Karuna Harry Young Writers’ Competition.

 Holly Webb from Merrifield College won the first prize of R3,500 for her poems, That Girl, Nonexistent Soulmate and You Weren’t Love. 

Canzi Bizana from Clarendon High School for Girls won the second prize of R1,500 for her three poems, The Commandment, Untitled and The Generation. 

Kaylee Luff from Hudson Park High School won the third prize of R500 for her short story, Death is Only the Beginning.

All the winning entries will be published in an anthology book. Webb has always wanted to be a writer and used the opportunity to write poems that helped her express a message that teenagers can relate to. 

She expressed her excitement about winning the competition and sees it as a step towards pursuing her dream of becoming an author.

Bizana also expressed her gratitude for winning second place and shared that her poems were inspired by personal experiences and observations of the world around her. She hopes to continue writing and exploring different themes in her work.

Luff wrote a short story about death and depression, using her late grandfather as her inspiration. She expressed her gratitude for winning the third position and sees this as the beginning of a fruitful career.

 She hopes to one day write and publish a book series or become an English professor.

The Vrij and Karuna Harry Young Writers’ Competition aims to encourage young writers to showcase their talent and provide them with a platform to share their work with a wider audience.

 The competition received numerous entries from schools across the region, highlighting the passion and creativity of young writers in the area.

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Senegalese writers who are also a married couple, Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo, win 2023 Caine Prize

The Senegalese married couple based in Pretoria, Mame Bougouma Diene and Woppa Diallo, have made history by winning the 2023 Caine Prize for African Writing with their exceptional short story, “A Soul of Small Places.” 

The story, published in TorDotCom in 2022, explores the urgent issues of gender-based violence, women's rights, and the resilience of survivors in remote Senegalese communities.

This year's competition saw a record-breaking number of submissions, with 297 entries from 28 African countries. It also marked a significant milestone for the Caine Prize, as it was the first time an entirely female judging panel was involved in the selection process.

“A Soul of Small Places” stands out for its skillful incorporation of supernatural elements against the backdrop of African cosmology. The narrative delves into the coexistence of spirits and humans, adding depth and cultural richness to the story. Despite its dark and brutal theme, the collaboration between Diene and Diallo beautifully explores the timeless theme of love, making it a compelling and thought-provoking work that demands attention.

The winners were announced by Fareda Banda, the Chair of The Caine Prize Judging Panel and Professor of Law at SOAS, University of London, during an awards ceremony held at One Birdcage Walk in London on October 2, 2023. Banda praised “A Soul of Small Places” for its groundbreaking nature, as it became the first jointly conceived narrative to win the prestigious Caine Prize since its establishment in 2000. It also marks the first win for Senegal in the history of the prize.

The judges unanimously agreed that the story was beautifully written, tender, and poetic. It captivated them with its powerful storytelling and its ability to shed light on important social issues. The recognition of Diene and Diallo's work not only celebrates their talent as writers but also highlights the importance of diverse voices in African literature.

As winners of the Caine Prize for African Writing, Diene and Diallo have cemented their place in the literary world. Their achievement will undoubtedly inspire other aspiring writers and contribute to the ongoing development of African literature.

Diene and Diallo will receive the prestigious £10,000 Caine Prize, in addition to having their work featured in the 2023 Caine Prize Anthology, “This Tangible Thing and Other Stories” published by Cassava Republic Press. Runners-up Yejide Kilanko (Nigeria) – “This Tangible Thing,” Tlotlo Tsamaase (Botswana) – “Peeling Time (Deluxe Edition),” Ekemini Pius (Nigeria) – “Daughters, By Our Hands,” and Yvonne Kusiima (Uganda) – “Weaving,” will each receive a prize of £500 and also feature in the 2023 Caine Prize Anthology.

The Caine Prize for African Writing celebrates the richness and diversity of African literature and recognizes outstanding achievements in African storytelling. It has played a pivotal role in shaping the careers of African writers, offering unmatched global visibility and opportunities, including publishing deals and writing fellowships.

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Hot Key Books acquires 'groundbreaking' poetry collection from Koleka Putuma

Hot Key Books, a publishing company, has acquired the rights to a "groundbreaking" poetry collection for young people from South African poet and playwright Koleka Putuma. 

The collection, titled "We Have Everything We Need to Start Again," will be published on June 20, 2024, with an initial release in South Africa in early May. The book will feature illustrations by Adriana Bellet, known for her work on book covers such as Dean Atta's "Black Flamingos" and Christina Hammonds Reed's "The Black Kids."

According to Hot Key Books, the collection aims to empower and uplift readers by addressing a wide range of themes and coming-of-age experiences, including mental health, sexuality, gender, climate change, and identity.

 Putuma, a resident of Cape Town, gained acclaim for her debut poetry collection for adults, "Collective Amnesia," which was published when she was 24. The book has won numerous awards, been translated into eight languages, and is the bestselling poetry book in South Africa of the 21st century.

Putuma expressed her excitement about presenting this new work, hoping that it will serve as a mirror and companion for readers as they navigate transitions, questions, and discoveries.

 The acquisition of Putuma's collection by Hot Key Books reflects a commitment to diverse voices and the power of poetry to connect with and inspire young readers.

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Meet the poetic who never shies away from silence, pain or fear

Louise Glück, the renowned poet, was known for her reticence and careful choice of words. 

She had a distant demeanor, as if her true life existed in dreams, memories, and her solitary moments. 

As a teacher, she sometimes advised her students to embrace silence, to not write at all if they were producing the wrong kind of poems or writing excessively. She believed that silence could be beneficial.

In her own poetry, Glück expertly worked with silence. She would break it, create more space for it, and leave gaps within her lines. She aimed to convey as much implication as possible through her carefully chosen words.

During an interview in 2017 at the New York Public Library, Glück revealed that she had experienced a two to two-and-a-half-year period of silence before writing her Pulitzer Prize-winning collection, "The Wild Iris" in 1993. She clarified that it wasn't a matter of writing poorly; she simply wasn't writing at all. She wasn't even reading much during this time, preferring to immerse herself in gardening books.

Throughout this silent period, Glück had only two lines lingering in her mind. They had appeared seemingly out of nowhere, but she had no idea where they would lead or what they truly meant:

"At the end of my suffering
there was a door."

Glück couldn't envision the speaker of these lines, but she cherished them nonetheless, whispering them to herself. She made a few failed attempts to incorporate them into a poem and even considered whether they could suffice as the foundation for an extremely short piece.

Louise Glück's ability to work with silence and her willingness to embrace it during her own creative process showcase her mastery as a poet. Her dedication to finding the right words and the perfect amount of silence within her lines has solidified her place as one of the most influential voices in contemporary poetry.

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Morland Writing Scholarships 2023 shortlists announced

The shortlists for the Morland Writing Scholarships 2023 were announced on Thursday, October 12, 2023.

The Morland Writing Scholarships for African Writers, popularly referred to as the Morland Writing Scholarship, is an opportunity to allow writers to finish a manuscript.

 Scholars writing fiction receive a grant of £18,000, paid monthly over twelve months while those writing non-fiction may receive a grant of up to £27,000, paid over a period of up to eighteen months. 

In the past, the scholarship has been accorded to writers like Yewande Omotoso, Noo Saro-Wiwa, Ayesha Harruna Attah, Gloria Mwaniga Odari, Hawa Jande Golakai, Nnamdi Oguike, and Parsalelo ole Kantai. Muhammad L. Kejera (Gambia), Neema Komba (Tanzania), Chido Muchemwa (Zimbabwe), Chika Oduah (Nigeria), and Lanre Otaiku (Nigeria) were the recipients in 2022.

This year the award received nearly 600 entries from published writers from across Africa. They have announced a shortlist of nineteen based on the “combined scores of our readers with each submission being read and graded independently by two people. 

The only criterion is literary merit. Our judges have a difficult task selecting just four winners from such a talented group. They will also consider book proposals when deciding. This year’s are an eclectic and intriguing collection with both fiction and non-fiction books in the mix.”

The shortlist features the following writers;
Deborah Adeniyi (Nigeria)
Rafeeat Aliyu (Nigeria)
Jekwu Anyaegbuna (Nigeria)
Justin Clement (Nigeria)
Mary-Alice Daniel (Nigeria)
Eromo Egbejule (Nigeria)
Mubanga Kalimamukwento (Zambia)
Ayesha Kassiem (South Africa)
Kiprop Kimutai (Kenya)
Wesley Macheso (Malawi)
Priya Nirmala Hein (Mauritius)
Remy Ngamije (Rwanda/Namibia)
Lindiwe Nkutha (South Africa)
Masande Ntshanga (South Africa)
Tolu Ogunlesi (Nigeria)
Kanyinsola Olorunnisola (Nigeria)
Temitope Owolabi (Nigeria)
Obinna Udenwe (Nigeria)

The jury will meet on November 16 and deliberate on the winners who will be announced on November 17.

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South African Diver Zandile Ndhlovu Publishes Children's Book About Mermaids and Oceanic Lessons

South African diver Zandile Ndhlovu is publishing her debut children’ book titled Zandi’s Song in spring 2024. Illustrated by Katlego Keokgale, the book explores the story of a girl who longs of the ocean despite not knowing how to swim and will published by Amazon Crossing Kids.

According to Publisher’s Synopsis, the book focuses on a girl who “dreams of the big blue ocean and bright colorful fish even though she lives far away from the sea and hasn’t learned to swim.” One day, the sea gives her a life-changing gift: “a story about our connection to the natural world, following your dreams, and caring for the environment.”

Zandi’s Song is inspired by the author’s own story of discovering the depths of the ocean. Zandile Ndhlovu is South Africa’s first Black female free diving instructor. At the age of 28, she first looked beneath the surface of the ocean and felt at home. So, she decided to help make the seas more accessible and diverse. 

Ndhlovu set up the Black Mermaid Foundation, which works to create diverse representation in ocean spaces—in sports, in careers, and recreationally. In 2022 she was named one of the Global Top 100 Most Influential People of African Descent.

READ THE SYNOPSIS: 

Zandi is a girl on a mission: to bring a message of conservation to the world.
Zandi was always thinking and dreaming about the ocean. Then, one special day, the ocean calls for her. Zandi tentatively approaches the water—and that’s when her adventure begins! She soon finds herself transformed into a mermaid and on an unforgettable underwater journey, where she hears the song of the ocean.
But there is something threatening this magical world. Is the key to protecting it buried in stories from the past? Join Zandi in her mission to protect our beloved oceans, in this inspiring story written by South Africa’s first Black female free diving instructor.

The book will be released on March 26, 2024.

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Booker Prize shortlist has two debut novels

The six titles shortlisted for the prestigious Booker Prize were announced on Thursday.

First awarded in 1969, the Booker Prize is regarded as the leading award for high-quality literary fiction written in English.

This year marks a first for all six scribes who made the shortlist, which features two debut novels, Chetna Maroo's Western Lane and Jonathan Escoffery's If I Survive You. 

The shortlisted titles are: 

Study for Obedience by Sarah Bernstein

If I Survive You by Jonathan Escoffery 

This Other Eden by Paul Harding

Prophet Song by Paul Lynch 

Western Lane by Chetna Maroo 

The Bee Sting by Paul Murray

The winner will be announced at a prize ceremony in London at Old Billingsgate on November 26.

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Sihle Nontshokweni and her mother don matching outfits to launch uNobuntu at Open Book Festival 2023

Sihle Nontshokweni and her mother Nombeko Nontshokweni stunned crowds at the 2023 Open Book Festival with matching orange outfits. The duo launched Nombeko’s book and documentary uNobuntu at the festival.

uNobuntu is Sihle’s mother’s book, a collection of poetry on life and grief. The book took 40 years to publish as Nombeko began penning poetry after she lost her first daughter uNobuntu.

Sihle remarked that she is proud of her mother’s journey of writing and publishing this incredibly personal book:
Mom lost her first child uNobuntu in 1983, she started writing poetry as a way of making sense of this loss. At the time she was an isiXhosa literature teacher so she used the writing instruments she’d be trained in to write. The manuscript collected dust for decades and when I published Wanda (2019) I was trying to help her publish this book.

The mother and daughter went to the 2023 Open Book Festival to screen the documentary version of the book, where her mom discovers her finished manuscript for the first time.

Read the synopsis below:
What do mothers do when they experience abrupt loss? “uNOBUNTU”, is a portrait of the quintessential, post-millennial South African family; a devoted daughter helps her mother fulfil her life-long dream of publishing a treasured 40-year-old manuscript. This story of hope, and triumph, goes against the backdrop of prevailing stereotypes about the culture of literacy in Africa. Instead, it lifts a contextual, hidden narrative about black women writing their lives into existence and subsequently shaping intellectual traditions.

Sihle and her mother had a blast at the Open Book Festival. Along with launching the book and documentary, Sihle’s mother Nombeko had her first ever panel on “Motivations for Writing” while Sihle did a children’s storytime and chaired a panel. Sihle added that Open Book Festival is special for her.

Sihle Nontshokweni is a South African children’s book author. She is a University of Pretoria (UP) PhD student and former UP staffer, the producer and host of The Ultimate Book Show on SABC 3, the author of the award-winning children’s book Wanda (2019), and the ambassador for World Read Aloud Day 2021. She has also been recognized as a young achiever by the Mail & Guardian in the category Film & Media.

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Renowned storyteller and poet Gcina Mhlophe's new book is available in braille and video

Renowned storyteller and poet, Gcina Mhlophe, has taken her book, "Nozincwadi- The Mother of Books," and transformed it into a video with a sign language interpreter, making it accessible to deaf individuals. 

Mhlophe, who has been running the literacy project Unozincwadi since 2001, recently launched the video book at the Bessie Head Library in Pietermaritzburg on Literacy Day, September 8. The video will be available on streaming platforms such as YouTube.

Mhlophe, an actor and playwright, has always aimed to include children with special needs in her literacy initiatives, which involve building libraries and donating books to schools. 

With sign language now recognized as the official 12th language in South Africa, Mhlophe believes it is long overdue to provide accessibility for the deaf community.

The launch of the video book project was a success, with children from a special school enjoying the moment. Teachers from special schools expressed gratitude for being catered to, and Mhlophe was delighted to hear people reading her book in a language she couldn't understand.

Mhlophe emphasizes the importance of considering children in special schools when donating books, as they are a significant focus for her. The video book will be available for download on the Unozincwadi YouTube channel. Mhlophe acknowledges that deaf people are often excluded from various activities due to the lack of sign language interpreters.

"Nozincwadi- The Mother of Books" is inspired by the story of a village woman who couldn't read or write but had a deep passion for books. She would collect them and create a pile in her house. 

This woman's love for education led her to assist in buying school books for children in her area. In return, the children would read stories to her. 

Eventually, she joined an adult learning center where she learned to read and write, inspiring others in the village to do the same.

The hard copy of the book is available at bookstores, and a braille version is available at the SA Library for the Blind. 

However, Mhlophe notes that there has been little interest from booksellers in the braille version thus far.

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The Longlist for the 2023 Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards is Out!

The longlist for the 2023 Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards is out and it includes a stunning range of Namibian fiction, nonfiction, poetry, and visual art.

The Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards are awarded every two years to celebrate the works of four Namibian literary artists—two writers (fiction and nonfiction), a poet, and a visual artist—published in Doek! Literary Magazine. The awards seek to bring a wider Namibian and international audience to the selected works, writers, poets, and visual artists.

Bank Windhoek, the official sponsor of the Awards, has always been an active supporter of Namibian art and artists within the country’s young democracy.

 Each winning literary artist is awarded NAD5000 in cash sponsored by Bank Windhoek. The winners are also presented with a unique trophy commissioned from a Namibian artist.

All longlisted, shortlisted, and winning literary artists are provided with unique opportunities such as book prizes, further publication in select anthologies, offers of representation, appearances at literary festivals, participation in creative workshops, access to mentorship programs, exhibitions in local, national, and international galleries, and art residencies in Namibia and abroad.

The following Namibian literary artists are longlisted for the 2023 Bank Windhoek Doek Literary Awards:

Fiction

Charmaine //Gamxamus: “Misdirection” (Issue 9: September, 2022)
Emmerita Ambata: “The Seasons Of Beatrice And Katherine” (Issue 10: May, 2023)
Roxane Bayer: “Letters To Chloe” (Issue 7: November, 2021)
Kay-Leigh De Sousa: Jacob’s Technicolour Taxi” (Issue 10: May, 2022)
Karin Eloff: “One Man’s Trash” (Issue 9: September, 2022)
Maria Iita: “Where Do I Start?” (Issue 11: September, 2023)
Filemon Iiyambo: “Their Mother’s Words” (Issue 10: May, 2023)
Delila Katanga: “Vara” (Issue 7: November, 2021)
Andelaine Tsowases: “Make It, Pay It” (Issue 8: May, 2022)

Nonfiction

Frowin Becker: “Deliver Me, Anvil” (Issue 9: September, 2022)
Nina Van Zyl: “Motherhood” (Issue 8: May, 2022)

Poetry

Kina Indongo: “Windhoek” Issue 7: November, 2021), “How Things Are And How They Happen“, and “Our Last Conversation” (Issue 10: May, 2023)
Veripuamu Nandee Kangumine: “Daughters Of A Witch” and “There Isn’t A Word In Your Language For Being Touched” (Issue 7: November, 2021); “The Jackal Who Prepares You For Marriage” (Issue 10: May, 2023)
Ros Limbo: “Beloved Step-Child” and “She Lay There” (Issue 10: May, 2023)
Frieda Mukufa: “Edhina Ekugidho” and “Love, Reimagined” (Issue 10: May, 2023)
Vivian Tjijandjeua Ojo: “The Dust Was Here First” and “Soil Dances Of Kaokoland, Badagry, and Amhara” (Issue 8: May, 2022)
Tjizembua Tjikuzu: “Praise Song For Kangozu“, “Prince Of Rain“, “Ode To My Childhood Dog” (Issue 8: May, 2022)
Keith Vries: “Jamal” and “Who Did You Leave Under The Sea” (Issue 10: May, 2023)

Through Doek! Literary Magazine, Namibian writers, poets, and visual artists have been adding their voices to Namibia and Africa’s literary consciousness. 

Each publication is a reflection of the diversity of thought and the abundance of literary craft that is present in Namibia.
Congrats to the longlisted writers and artists! Check out their work in Doek! Literary Magazine

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