An anthology by a South Africa-based Zimbabwean author, Zenzele Nkomo (36), has attracted the attention of that country’s literary scene.
BY SHARON SIBINDI
This is because it reflects the modern African psyche, bringing a fresh perspective in motivational poetry and tackling contemporary issues such as culture, religion and love.
The book, titled Sivus’ Olwenkaba has 120 Ndebele poems and is a potential set book for O’ and A’ Level students . Nkomo’s breakthrough follows the recent success with one of his poems that featured in a book he co-authored with nine other writers, as well as a 12-poem anthology titled Sigiya Ngolwethu in Abalobi Bakithi.
Speaking to The Standard Style recently, Nkomo said his latest poetry book was receiving overwhelming appreciation. He has since engaged the ministry of Primary and Secondary Education so that it may be considered for O’ and A’ Level.
“I am hoping that my book will be considered in high schools and pupils can use it as their set book. I am still looking for ways of engaging schools in Matabeleland and everyone else is free to read it,” he said.
Nkomo said the book talks about people’s lives and their experiences. He said it brings comfort and good Ndebele vocabulary to the new generation as most youths can no longer properly speak the language.
Sivus’ Olwenkaba has 11 different categories which include culture and life, death, ubuntu, politics, wealth, places, drugs, marriage, love and more.
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He said he started writing the book in 1996 and completed it this year.
Nkomo was born in Kezi in Matabeleland South province and has been part of Abalobi Bakithi, an organisation that promotes indigenous southern African languages.
The book was published by Umhlaba Umkhulu Publishers in South Africa and was edited by Usungulo Arts.
