Best writing on display

A book containing a selection of best entries in an Zulu-English writing competition co-sponsored by the University of KwaZulu-Natal and Independent Newspapers will be launched at the Time of the Writer festival in Durban next week.

The aim of the competition – believed to be the first of its kind – and the subsequent publication of the book, Amagalelo, by UKZN Press, was to promote bilingualism and, in particular, the development of Zulu.

More than 350 entries were received from both novice and experienced writers, featuring short stories, essays, poetry, folklore and visual components, among other items.

The winning entries were announced at a celebratory function late last year with the winners each getting a prize of R10 000.

The winners were Thandani Mabaso (poetry), Khayelihle Mnguni (short stories) and Khethiwe Mkhize (essays). Selections from the winning entries have been published in Independent Newspapers’ Zulu-language newspaper Isolezwe.

The judges – storyteller Gcina Mhlophe, Nakanjani Sibiya, Otty Nxumalo and Gugu Mazibuko – were impressed by the exceptionally high standard of the entries.

UKZN’s deputy vice-chancellor of teaching and learning and chair of the university’s Language Board, Renuka Vithal, says in the preface to the book that the project presented an invitation to write in an African language in a way that captures “our changing world” and to become part of creating and producing literature “by drawing into this exciting activity those who might not have considered such a possibility before”.

Philani Mgwaba, editor of The Mercury, said Independent Newspapers was excited about the number and quality of entries.

Mgwaba and Vithal will make presentations at the launch of the book at the Time of the Writer Festival at the Sneddon Theatre on Tuesday.

* Any royalties accrued from the book will go towards a scholarship for a UKZN undergraduate student majoring in Zulu studies.