EDITORIAL
Harare International Literature Festival (LitFest Harare) director Chirikure Chirikure speaking at the festival’s official opening
Welcome to our edifying newsletter, we hope we find you all well! It is once again that time of the year when you have to choose your favourite recreation. For writers, it’s a book either when travelling or spending time at home. You really need that bookish companion. But also, as you scroll down, you will find other places to visit which illuminate the imagination.
It was with sadness that we learnt of the death of elder Costa Shizha of Epworth who was such a passionate book lover and great supporter of the WIN Epworth library program. Elder Shizha passed on the morning of November 25, 2025. He once was featured in the Herald’s Bookshelf column for his ideas about reading culture. We will always cherish the wisdom he bequeathed to WIN, may his soul rest in peace.
WIN did not do much this year, save for helping kids fall in love with books at our small and humble Epworth library and also capturing some of the unforgettable moments in the book world around us through our newsletters. We are proud of our executive board and our members whose patience and guidance amazingly kept the organization afloat. There is worthy, invisible progress we made backstage, some work upon which Almighty showered his grace.
Meanwhile, we would like to thank you our friends here in Zimbabwe and abroad, for the love and words of encouragement as we journeyed 2025. There were times of confusion and pain, yet there were also phases of great inspiration and faith. You were always there to help clear the fog, with your guiding wisdom. We’re stronger because of you.
We have so much to do in the coming year, for surely we have been trained by and survived the worst and best of times.
We wish you all a peaceful and literary festive season. Enjoy!
SIPHIWE GLORIA NDLOVU SHINES AT SHARJAH INTERNATIONAL BOOK FAIR
CONGRATULATIONS to Zim writer Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu (ABOVE) for winning the Best International Fiction award for her book ‘The Creation of Half-broken People’. Keep going!
“We are overjoyed to announce that our incredible author, Siphiwe Gloria Ndlovu, has WON the Best International Fiction Prize at the 2025 Sharjah International Book Fair for her breathtaking novel, The Creation of Half-Broken People!”
- Pan Macmillan South Africa, November 6, 2025
ART LOVERS SPOILT FOR CHOICE AT LITFEST HARARE
Dumiso Brickhill performing her poetry
On stage: a theatre adaptation of Giles Kuimba’s Shona novel Tambaoga Mwanangu
Art lovers were spoilt for choice at this year’s Harare International Literature Festival [LitFest] held from November 26 to the 29th in Harare. The 12th LitFest, running under the theme ‘Lebeleka Takawilila - The Languages and Legacies of Art’, unveiled a fascinating variety of events which celebrated local and international talent in theatre, music, literature, poetry, and comedy.
Speaking to WIN, festival director Chirikure Chirikure said that literary platforms like LitFest do so much in promoting an interchange of culture and ideas and as such, Zimbabwe needs more of these literary festivals.
“The depth and breadth of the discussion sessions was highly enriching, with both local and international participants sharing ideas and skills, thus helping to grow the arts and culture. The highly inspired performances complemented the discussions, showcasing a good balance between the older and younger voices. Zimbabwe needs more of such literary platforms, as both the artists and audiences need to cross-fertilise their minds,” he said.
Trevor Ncube, Chairman of Alpha Media Holdings (AMH), presenting his speech during the Litfest official opening
On the official opening day, guest of honour Trevor Ncube had a profound message for the literary sector as he laid bare the facts about what he termed a ‘collective failure’.
As a country, he pointed out that we are lagging behind in terms of documentation of our own narrative or history. He questioned how Zimbabwe could be so highly placed for its literacy level all over Africa and yet be one of those countries with a fast dwindling reading culture. He said the paradox just vexes him, just as one can imagine a sad case of having university graduates who cannot read a novel.
He called on artists to capture and document the Zimbabwean story because history is not just the past but also the future. He said when publishers, writers, journalists and artists are not free to express themselves, an important part of nation-building is destroyed.
Peter Handley from United Kingdom facilitated this year’s Litfest Creative Workshops from November 25 to 26, exploring the theme ‘History of Truth’. The workshops were held at the Theatre in the Park, Harare.
About 18 writers, playwrights and poets had an opportunity to experience very different, mind-refreshing, valuable poetry sessions with Handley.
One of his poems, tied to a sachet of African marigold seeds he gave to each participant as a gift, shows that Handley likes quietening the mind to liberate the voice or ‘theatre’ hidden within. Here goes his poem ‘Poetry –art for art’s sake’:
There was only one person in the audience
It was all for them
We didn’t know, in the light,
If it was a man or a woman,
We never found out.
They applauded and left.
It was the best show we’d done in ages
We all agreed
(Words are seeds, sow them wisely)
Achieving a wordless moment of inspiration, yes, that is exactly what Handley aimed for the participants. For instance, picking up a disconnected handset from its cradle, then you listen to a voice or voices, all the while you are responding with facial expressions. After a short while, you tell others what you have been silently listening to. In theatre they may call this ‘mime’, but Handley’s exercise was deeper than that.
Litfest discussions are always great. Here is a comment by Clive ‘Mono’ Mukundu, a well-known music composer and producer, shared after he attended one of the discussions.
An Eye-Opening Discussion at Litfest 2025: Mono Mukundu
Last Saturday, 29 November 2025, I attended and participated in a highly engaging discussion at the annual Harare Literature Festival, also known as 'LitFest Harare'.
The discussion encompassed several topics, all of which were related to literature. Topics discussed included the utilization and benefits of digitalization for self-promotion, the contemporary reading culture, book clubs, the debate over whether it is worthwhile to read an entire lengthy book, or simply look for a summary online, and, obviously, the question of whether AI poses a threat, or serves as a useful tool.
Participants comprised authors from Botswana, Lesotho, the United Kingdom, Kenya, and Zimbabwe. Veteran author and poet, Chirikure Chirikure, is among the organizers.
You can watch the entire discussion on the link below:
https://youtu.be/dpzFAIO76g0?si=8mZwfP0R3gRAzhyM
Images from LitFest
Vu’umuzi Phakati (South Africa), performing poetry
Sitawa Namwalie (Kenya), doing performance reading with Muthoni Garland (below)
Muthoni Garland (Kenya)
MUTARE ARTISTS AT CVPE THIRD CONSULTATIVE WORKSHOP
The Creative Voices for Policy Engagement (CVPE) held its third workshop on November 28, 2025, in Mutare. Below are a few workshop images. You can read about and view images from the previous Harare and Gweru workshops. Click Here
TRIBUTE TO THE EPWORTH BOOK LOVER
The late Costa Shizha browsing a Shona novel ‘Joti Neketani’ in the WIN Epworth library
We pay tribute to our friend by re-publishing an interview done with him some time ago, which appeared in the Herald’s Bookshelf column. MAY HIS SOUL REST IN PEACE
OUTSTANDING READING SPIRIT
Bookshelf Column (Herald)
The story of a book lover Costa Shizha (60), a resident of Epworth, Harare, is testimony that ordinary Zimbabweans have not yet completely lost appetite for reading literature for leisure.
Book purchasing habits may have undeniably diminished due to economic factors but the craving for books still exists. Neighbours, friends and relatives have resorted to informal borrowing or sharing of books because they find no library or book club in their vicinity to quell their desire for literature.
Shizha, commonly known in his neighbourhood as ‘Sinyoro’, frequents the Epworth home of Writers International Network Zimbabwe (WIN) director Beaven Tapureta with incessant requests for books to read. He borrows and in a few days returns the books, and at times, the two sit under a tree to generally review the books or talk about bookish issues. Sometimes he gives to the library those books he would have stumbled on during his adventures and would have finished reading them all. In Epworth, there is another friend of Shizha, identified as Chikwanda, who owns a personal library and also lends him books.
However, it is his undying reading habit which dates back to his youth in the Rhodesian era that one finds impressive. For him, age and education level are not stumbling blocks if one has faith in the written word.
During the oppressive colonial regime, literacy was the pursuit Shizha and other youths of his time had to take seriously, for they believed knowledge is the key to mental liberation. And this meant plunging in the world of books. It so happened that academically he could not advance to secondary level as schools had to be closed because of the war. But still the desire to explore knowledge bound in books burned in him.
His first boss, James Jollif, who owned a supermarket in Gokwe discerned the strong love of books in the young Shizha, who was then a till operator. When Shizha asked for help from him to further his education, the boss promptly bought him a table and chair and assisted him to correspond with ICS up to Form Two.
Reading helped him, and came with a benefit that changed the course of his life as he was, soon after Independence, recommended for a job as bank clerk at Beverly Building Society in Kwekwe.
Although he later stopped working for the bank, his relationship with books kept gaining momentum until he came to Harare to stay with a brother at the railways security camp.
He found a new job at the Jameson Hotel as a bar-man but the tight shifts stole his reading time.
He ventured into motor mechanics, first as a trainee at Monomotapa Technical College, and then worked as a qualified mechanic at various companies in Bindura and Harare.
During this period, Shizha had only newspapers as reading material.
“I was a daily newspaper reader. And at weekends, when I came back to Harare, I would visit the travellers’ bookshop situated at the railways station. I would try to borrow or read for free. I remember seeing the late Canaan Banana, a politician and writer, buying his books there,” Shizha says.
The bookshop led him to another source of reading matter, this time a broader source, the Rottenrow city library, now called Harare City Library.
“Since I had my education cut short because of the war, I sought knowledge in books on my own. Up to now, I am still reading,” says Shizha.
Even though he has forgotten some of the names of writers popular during his hay days, Shizha says he was closely exposed to literature as his brother, Morgan Shizha, wrote a book titled Mhandu Yemunhu Munhu in the 60’s.
As for today’s youths getting swayed by phones and social media, thus giving up reading time, Shizha urges society to educate them about the importance of education and reading for leisure.
True, but the question often asked is how to draw these young people back to reading again. Many studies have shown how mobile phones can be used to inspire reading culture. However, the physical book cannot be denied space in whatever attempts to enhance a reading culture and Shizha proposes the introduction of libraries, particularly in the private colleges which are blooming all over the country.
“If you look around, you will see many private colleges. Some of them have no books at all. Libraries should be introduced in those private schools or colleges and also in rural government schools,” he says.
Organizations such as Writers International Network Zimbabwe, the Harare City Library and Zimbabwe Reads have in the past come together to donate books to school writers clubs in Epworth. Such efforts, with the aid of local authors and publishers, are bound to produce fruit.
BOOKS ARE ‘… OUR SOULS, MINDS AND HEARTS...'
New kid on the block: Palesa Ropafadzo Denga
Palesa R Denga is an eighteen-year-old Zimbabwean writer who recently published on Amazon her debut four-book series named Rebel of the Rhodes (2025, Darling Kind Publishing). The titles in the series are, in their order, Forbidden Flame, Forsaken Flame, Guerrillas and Love and The Liberation Struggle.
In a brief interview with WIN, Palesa said she is so proud of herself for being a young, published writer now.
While she is celebrating, there are a lot more readers obviously curious to know what this amazing young talent has just offered in those pages. She is a writer who discourages judging the book by the title, yet her titles will nevertheless make you sit up!
She has found her own voice through consistency and determination.
It is interesting how Palesa found her own ‘writing light’ when she was a kid growing up in Highfield. She fell in love with books and discovered early the power of reading. Thanks to her teacher who would take her and other kids to a local library on weekends.
“My primary school teacher would go with us every Friday and Saturday to a library in Highfield where we would borrow books. I was always fascinated by how different writers could portray their stories with such elegance especially JK Rowling and Enid Blyton,” she says.
To some extent the library helped improve her compositions and essays at school but the young girl had a sharp mind that saw beyond the academic mirror to scrutinize what a book really means to humanity.
“For me books weren't just words but they reflected our deepest desires, fears, happiness, anxiety, problems and solutions. For me they were a piece of our souls, minds and hearts poured out on paper. I always told myself that maybe someday l would also pour out a piece of my soul on paper because if others can do it then there's a possibility l could do it too,” said Palesa.
The publishing of her debut series has motivated her to work on two more projects. She told WIN she has some new writing coming before long.
“The first one is collaboration with Honest P. Mukwenya about the plight of the boy child. The second one is inspired by some of the things that transpired in my life and it also reflects on some of the cross-cutting themes found in the Zimbabwean society,” she said.
The writing business can sometimes be met with discouragement in some families and communities yet for Palesa, she had the support of parents. Her word to fellow young writers is that they should not give up even when the going gets tough.
“For me writing is a gift that lets me share pieces of my soul and heart with people. There were times when l felt like giving up but l kept going. When people look at a book all they see is the title, the cover and the words on the pages, not the nights l lay awake or the doubts l had and the discrimination l faced. Yet through it all the consistency and determination is what keeps pushing me forward,” said Palesa.
After primary school, she proceeded to Harare Girls High where she completed her Ordinary Level. She is now pursuing her Advanced Level at a private school in Waterfalls, Harare. Readers can buy her books through her (+263 78 095 0897) or the publisher (darlingkindp@live.com).
NEW POETRY VIBES FROM BULAWAYO
Keith Ndlovu, a poet
Keith Ndlovu is a poet and storyteller hailing from Bulawayo. His self-published poetry collection When Tears Meet Sunlight (2025) reverberates with themes of grief, healing, love, heartbreak, and personal growth - anchored in everyday Zimbabwean experiences. Ndlovu says his poetry aims to resonate with readers emotionally and inspire conversations around healing and resilience. For more information about When Tears Meet Sunlight, Contact +263 78 371 9125
THE GREAT GET-TOGETHER BOOK LAUNCH 2025
(Report by Aleck Kaposa, founder and director of EBWA)
Guest of Honour Brain Garusa (3rd from left) receiving his token of appreciation from EBWA Executive
The sky above Harare was cloudlessly blue on the morning of 28 November 2025 when writers under the banner of Essential Books Writers Association (EBWA) from different places converged at Africa Unity Square, in the heart of the capital city for the 4th edition of The Great Get-Together Book Launch (TGGTBL ’25). The Great Get-Together Book Launch is an annual event where writers gather to celebrate their craft together through a combined book launch, readings, poetry recitations as well as buying and selling of books, among other things.
Mr Brain Garusa, a literary critic and proprietor of Book Fantastics as well as incoming President of PEN Zimbabwe, was the Guest of Honour this year. He delivered a superb speech laden with all the elements of successful book marketing and crucial advice to writers, publishers and all book lovers. Mr Garusa, a book reader of note, holds a BA and MA from the University of Zimbabwe.
Thirty-two different writers attended the event including the much-anthologised writers like Tinashe Muchuri, author of Chibarabada and Aunt Mazvita Biggie Chiranga, (Musambo weDendera) Pamela Phiri, (Pakufamba Cherechedza Mafambiro Ako) Tariro Mazambani (Dai Uriwe Wainzwa Sei?) Herbert Chiweshe (Tales from the Country) Tebeth Dirani-Chanetsa, (Your Obssession, My Addiction,) Chengetai Nyagumbo a.k.a Dr Amai, (Mvuu) Fabian Choto, Tarie, Shepad Chidima (Munhu, Munhu) and award winner and serial Nama Award nominee Aleck Kaposa (The Magician, Kuku Wins the President’s Clean Environment Award, The Strange Bird) Human resources books author, Eswart Musaru and motivational books writer David Madziwa added a unique flavour of their own to the celebration and so did Stephen Chizema with business advice poetry. This years’ edition had a special flavour and fragrance as it had more than a dozen children writers from Masvingo, Chegutu and Norton who published books under the Creative Kids at Essentials, an initiative that seeks to nurture budding writers aged between 8 and 16 years. The young writers following in the footsteps of the trailblazing NAMA Award winner Onald Gwiriri who bagged the prestigious award when he was barely 10 years old, staged exciting poetry performances. Duma Primary School Writers Club was superbly represented by Nadine Mazari, (Nhanga: A Special Place for Girls), Pauline Luwesi (The Old Man in the Village) Rigel Chabata (Munashe the Clever Boy), Blessing Muzondireva (The Rude Servants), Tinovimbanashe Zivanemoyo (Life Was Not Easy Then...) Delma Marange (Marara iMari) and Blessing Madhura (No to Pollution)
Veteran author and award winner Tinashe Muchuri performed his trademark whistling poem and not to be outdone was the Bikita-based teacher, crowd puller Shepad Chidima, who, to his credit, has transformed Duma Primary School Budding Writers Club into a force to reckon with alongside Madam Turugari. Chegutu multiple-award winner young writer, Jean Taanashe Botso who has published three books, (The Exciting Story of Chipo the Bird, Who Am I: The Exciting Story of Jack the Tadpole and The Amazing Story of Shamiso) shook off her usual reticence and took to the stage to deliver a polished performance that left everyone in awe. The Kaposa girls, Sakina, (My Life as An Artist), Alima (Nherera Uranda) and ebullient Fatima (God Sent Me to Share) who have all published their books also showcased their creative verbal prowess on the stage. The innovative Mai Tebeth Dirani-Chanetsa who was the MC creatively borrowed from the Shona folklore Dudu muduri to call to the stage and introduce all the writers in a way that mesmerised the onlookers and passersby. The event ended at 3 pm with a heavy and sumptuous meal and drinks.
Images from the Great Get-Together
ZIMBABWE WOMEN WRITERS (ZWW) LAUNCHES NEW BOOK
Zimbabwe Women Writers (ZWW) has released Strides of a Woman, an anthology compiled and edited by Eresina Hwede. It carries thirty English and Shona short stories by established and new Zimbabwean women authors. The book was launched in Harare on December 6, 2025. Big congratulations to ZWW and the contributors making up this gripping book.
PLACES FOR YOU TO ENJOY THIS FESTIVE SEASON
We all need some time out, far from the ‘maddening crowd’. We need to cool off after a really busy year. We recommend these two places below, and we are sure you will be greatly inspired to cross over into 2026 refreshed.
THE ALEXANDRA PARK HOUS E
Good day and we hope you are well.
You and your family/friends are invited for an exclusive visit to the Alexandra Park L. Ron Hubbard House this holiday season. The landmark is open all throughout the festive season and is a great place to visit, sharing the gift of knowledge with those you care about. If you've already received a tour, you should come back with others who have yet to share the experience. All tours are complimentary! The landmark is open 7 days a week all day.
Which day and time would you like to book your holiday visit? Feel free to contact:
Director Asthra Maximov
+263 78 592 7990
alexandrapark@lronhubbard.org
DEVETEVE CULTURAL VILLAGE
WIN SUPERCLASSIC ECHOES: POEMS AND STORIES
THE CHRISTMAS EVE
By Marciline Badza
The bartender was settling the bill as Zindoga took his last two sips.
'Some more... please', he ordered.
The bartender looked at him in disbelief. 'Have you checked your watch, Sir? It’s almost midnight and we have to close now'.
Zindoga took a worn-out wallet from his pocket, then handed the bartender some notes. 'Ok, here, take it ... it’s yours,' he said, a strange smile on his face. 'Good night boy'. He dragged himself out as he sang all the way. He barely could stand.
'Destiny woo wuu...Destiny l wanna roll my destiny'.
The night breeze intensified, sending sharp stabbing pains of cold in his body, making him shiver. Zindoga was struggling to accept what had become of him. He had lost all the fame, friends and family. He wrapped his jacket around the neck as he walked down the street. His step increased but to nowhere. The only place he called home had been confiscated by the company he owed large amounts of money. As he drunkenly walked, everything came back in his mind like lightning flashes. He just found himself in a pool of tears. Zindoga stopped and looked back where he had come from; there was nothing, and ahead of him the road stretched.
Suddenly, a man appeared from nowhere.
'Come, Zindoga, you are not alone'. The man led him into the Church that was along the road. Zindoga followed behind, curious to know who this man really was. Zindoga sat on the back pew but the man with a long beard that touched his chest said, ‘Come up front, don't be afraid, come sit with me.' The man’s voice was friendly.
'Who are you Sir?' asked Zindoga.
The man looked at him with a smile and said softly, 'I am who l am.' And he handed Zindoga an envelope written ‘Zindoga’ on it. The man all of a sudden vanished into thin air. Zindoga looked very shocked like someone waking from a deep slumber. He looked everywhere around him. There was nothing but a pulpit and church benches.
‘Hello! Somebody there!’ he shouted but there was no one. Fear gripped him as he trembled while trying to open the envelope. Finally, he opened it and he was surprised. There was a key and a house address.
He immediately became sober.
ICHOO!
NaBlack Mampara, The Poet(c)
Kusunga maoko emwana,
Sevaida kukama mukaka wemombe, amai vosunga makumbo atombi,
Kagodashurwa sekunonzi zinyoka rapinda mumba.
Kachitsondokotwa,
Kachizvindikitwa!
Sekari muduri, amai vachichinjanisa maoko iwo achiita kujijana sezvaiita madzimai aye pafaifi dhora yekuma1980s iye!
Mhaiyo vachizamurira mwene sevari kutema huni nebheura rinorema resimbi,
Mhaiyo kuita hondo nechitorobho,
Kuzama kuti pamwana chitorobha chibude bhobho!
Vachitadza havo kuti vashaye chokuita vabate chikorobho?
Idi here?
Mai Mampara wanetsana naAmaMampara,
Havo, voipara!
Pachinzvimbo chaMampara, mhai vogarira mwana,
Vomusvasvanga.
Tiri kuitei?
Angaibate Education 5.0?
Tozoti maticha haasi kubata basa,
Tozovhunduka ndumure yati pamusha svoto,
Heyo yondorikicha iri mhwere,
Heyo mumugwagwa tindindi!
Tochema nehurumende.
Tine ropaiko?
Atadza kuzotiona ramangwana hatiti midzimu yatirasa?
Iyesu tichiirasa neUnhu hweumambara.
Ngatiti pengenu!
Overview of the poem ICHO:
Often times, as parents we disagree to agree. And when bulls fight, it's the grass which suffers. Children are children, they are not miniature adults~Jean Jacques Rousseau. Why do we beat children as if they are pests in our lives? Children if not given attention, can do anything. They can steal. They can be bullies. They can be street fighters. They can take drugs. We need to guide and teach them. They need our love not zvitirobho or Voetsek! Appreciate them daily and show love. +263718782302
HUYA HWEVA
NaTamutswa Muzana
Huya hweva huya,
Usauya nechiyedza chete,
Asi huya nemutsvairo wako uya,
Mutsvairo waunogarouya nawo zuva nezuva.
Huya hweva huya ndakakumirira,
Ndarariro pfikura chihuya undipukute,
Kwave kuyedza ndave kuda kubuda panze,
Pane vana vangu.
Huya kani hweva huya,
Chinguri ndabvira kuronga nekurongonora,
Ndakusha mupunga kudoro iro remakuva evatete,
Ndamwaya ipwa pachuru cheshwa,
Ndirimo mumagudza zvangu.
Huya hweva ndisati ndafukurwa,
Misodzi yangu ihanzu yemukati,
Handigoni kufamba ndisinayo asi haifanirwi kuwonekwa,
Ikawonekwa ndashama,
Ikasavapo ndashama,
Aiwa huya hweva!
CHIEDZA
NaObvious, T. Dziwanyika @Chomubako
Ndirwo runhekairo
Nhevedzo yezviroto
Nhaka yemuono.
Matapi, cheziya.
Mataka, hukanya,
Hwetsandima.
Ndidzo nhekairo.
Murimi remoto.
Nhekairo ndidzo,
Murako wega, sango.
Zvavamwe zvine ndima?
Tarisa zvako.
Hwetsayako, ndima.
Urimo muzarima,
Nhevera chiedza.
Kadikiko,
Neziya, zivo nendangariro,
Kachaunza zvikuru.
Moyo usaore,
Nekuona zvevamwe.
Chawadyara uchakohwa.
Dyara matapi,
Uchamedza matapitapi.
Dyara shungu,
Ichamedzwa shungurudziko.
Mangwana unokunda
Ramba wakatsika, mwana.
Mangwana zvichaita.
Bhuku chinhu chikuru,
Kwete nhumbi kana shangu,
Kwete sechero kana nhava.
Mangwana chiedza,
Dzidza chete
***
THANK YOU for reading.
