Dr Nakanjani Sibiya, a prolific author and academic, has called for IsiZulu authors to be given equal platform and recognition as their counterparts writing in other languages. Sibiya made these remarks during the "The isiZulu Voices" panel discussion at the Glenwood Book Fair in Durban, which took place on Friday. The discussion was part of a wider conversation about the importance of promoting and supporting IsiZulu literature. Sibiya, who has authored, co-authored, and translated over 50 books, emphasized that he writes in isiZulu by choice, not due to a lack of proficiency in other languages.
The panel discussion, facilitated by National Media Group executive editor Sandile Mdadane, brought together several notable authors and academics, including performing poet and storyteller Sindiswa Zulu, Professor Nompumelelo Zondi, and educator and author Ntombenhle Dlamini. The conversation highlighted the challenges faced by IsiZulu authors in gaining recognition and support. Sibiya welcomed the Glenwood Book Fair's decision to provide a dedicated platform for IsiZulu authors, rather than treating them as an afterthought. This move was seen as a positive step towards promoting and celebrating IsiZulu literature.
During the discussion, Sindiswa Zulu expressed concern about the lack of enthusiasm for consuming IsiZulu literature. However, she also noted that storytellers need to adapt to changing audience preferences, which increasingly favor bite-sized content and storytelling formats. Sibiya echoed this sentiment, suggesting that authors could adopt a "story time" approach to writing, similar to those used on social media platforms. This approach would involve creating shorter, more accessible stories that could engage a wider audience.
The panel also discussed the importance of remaining authentic to one's language and culture. Zulu, who releases weekly poetry on her social media platforms, emphasized the need for authors to stay true to their linguistic heritage. Professor Nompumelelo Zondi, the recently appointed Mazisi Kunene Research Chair at the University of KwaZulu-Natal, highlighted the challenge of declining reading habits among students, particularly in the context of IsiZulu literature.
The discussion also turned to the role of literature in addressing social issues, such as gender-based violence. The panellists explored how writers could use their work to influence attitudes and behavior, particularly in the face of recent incidents of violence. Author Ayanda Mchunu argued that women should avoid becoming dependent on men, while Ntombenhle Dlamini countered that some of the greatest challenges begin at home and that GBV cannot be blamed solely on women's dependence on men.
Mathabo Kunene, the widow of Professor Mazisi Kunene, challenged the panellists to edit and make contemporary the over 10,000 works left by her late husband, a freedom fighter and Poet Laureate. Kunene also noted that she and her husband had raised their children abroad without them losing their isiZulu language skills, which she saw as a remarkable achievement. The Glenwood Book Fair, which concludes today, features a range of authors and academics, including Professor Ashwin Desai and Advocate Linda Zama.
The final day of the Glenwood Book Fair will feature a discussion on what it means to be South African, facilitated by Eric Apelgren. Other participants include Dr Devi Rajab and Kiru Naidoo. The event aims to promote and celebrate South African literature and culture, with a focus on providing a platform for IsiZulu authors and exploring the importance of language and cultural heritage.
Key points
- Dr Nakanjani Sibiya calls for equal recognition of IsiZulu authors.
- The Glenwood Book Fair provides a platform for IsiZulu authors.
- Panellists discuss the role of literature in addressing social issues.
