WIN LITERARY NEWSLETTER, VOL 2, ISSUE NO 30

EDITORIAL

Writer Tendai C Matiza (left) and renowned musician Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave at the launch of the former’s new book Kukura Kwangu (scroll down for more details about the launch)

We warmly welcome you all to our bubbling newsletter. So much activity happening in the local writing and publishing arena, and also in real life. The famous English poet John Donne once said, ‘...any man's death diminishes me, because I am part of humanity.” 

We echo his words, following the sad loss of a well-known businessman and philanthropist Sir Wicknell Chivayo, who died in a helicopter accident on September 30, 2026. His name shall be remembered in the arts industry (including literary arts) - and other fields - in which he made financial and material donations to some artists. Seeing more new books being hatched by Zimbabwean writers in different genres is wonderful. We wish the books well in their different chosen journeys. Enjoy!

ZIMBABWEAN WRITER WINS 2026 CAINE PRIZE 

Zimbabwean writer Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza (above) is the winner of the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing for his short story ‘The Blue Fighter’. 

CONGRATULATIONS!

‘KUKURA KWANGU’ BOOK LAUNCH CELEBRATES ZIMBABWEAN INDIGENOUS LANGUAGE

By Marcia Chavunduka – Publisher

Author Tendai C. Matiza giving an inspiring speech at the recent launch of her book 'Kukura Kwangu '

The much-anticipated official launch of Kukura Kwangu, a book by Tendai C. Matiza, popularly known as Sister Original News, was held on Saturday, 26 September 2026, at the Monomotapa Hotel in Harare, Zimbabwe. The memorable evening brought together authors, publishers, literary enthusiasts, family, friends and distinguished guests to celebrate Zimbabwean literature and the importance of preserving indigenous languages.

The event was graced by the Guest of Honour, Honourable D. Svuure, who delivered an inspiring speech highlighting the importance of literature, culture and the preservation of Zimbabwe's indigenous languages. His presence added significance to an occasion dedicated to celebrating Zimbabwean storytelling and literary expression.

Author Tendai C. Matiza, aka Sister Original News, also gave a heartfelt speech, sharing the inspiration behind Kukura Kwangu and the journey that led to the book. Her words reflected her passion for storytelling and her desire to encourage readers to embrace their identity, language, and to persevere against all odds.

As the book's editor and publisher, I also addressed the gathering. I spoke about the publishing journey and the importance of producing books that celebrate African voices and make indigenous languages an important part of Zimbabwe's literary landscape.

Among the special guests who graced the occasion was renowned musician Fungisai Zvakavapano-Mashavave, whose presence added further star power and excitement to the celebration.

The launch was more than a book event; it was a celebration of language, culture, identity and Zimbabwean creativity. Kukura Kwangu stands as a meaningful contribution to the growth of indigenous-language literature and demonstrates the power of Zimbabwean authors to tell stories that resonate with their communities and beyond.

Kukura Kwangu is available for purchase from Sister Original News, MC Publishers, Innov 8 Bookshop branches, and online from Payhip.

Congratulations to Tendai C. Matiza on this remarkable milestone and to everyone who helped make the Kukura Kwangu book launch a resounding success.

Scenes from the launch

All photos by MC Publishers

Author Tendai C. Matiza aka Sister Original News & Publisher Marcia Chavunduka

Kukura Kwangu Book Launch Group Photo

Honourable Davison Svuure giving the keynote speech

L. RON HUBBARD LANDMARKK SITE HOSTS SECOND BUSINESS SEMINAR

By Winzim

Bryan Frank, leading the Saturday business seminar 

The 2nd free business seminar hosted by the L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site was held on Saturday afternoon, October 10, 2026 with a group of participants drawn from different professions and business backgrounds. 

The seminar, delivered by consultant Bryan Frank, dealt with 'Tools for Salvaging a Business' and how to keep the administrative graph rising.

However, Bryan was flexible, not restricted to business only but also had valuable advice for not-for-profit organizations and other projects, mostly pertaining to matters of administration. 

Insightful was Bryan's pick from the administrative tools hierarchy, saying that most businesses fail because of lack of policy. The absence of policy, in any business, he said, leads to the hard-work-low-income scenario which is but an indication that the natural laws of administration have been violated.

He said that having a goal/purpose is not enough but putting into practice the Administrative Tools, which L. Ron Hubbard developed through experience, will get any business or organisation to the next level.

Participants new to the L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site also enjoyed a tour of the Heritage Site before the start of the seminar. Below are details if you want to get more information about the Landmark Site.

Contact:

Name: Director Asthra Maximov

Organization: Alexandra Park L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site

Address: New Alexandra Park, Harare, Zimbabwe

Email: alexandrapark@lronhubbard.org

Website: https://www.lronhubbard.org

POET MSIPA INTRODUCES BAG OF HIS NEW TITLES

By Winzim 

Some of Msipa’s new publications

Poet Edwin Muketiwa Msipa 

Writer, performance poet and journalist Edwin Muketiwa Msipa aka Black Mampara, recently issued out about 11 books at once, two of which are about the late businessman Sir Wicknell Chivayo.

Speaking to Winzim, in the emotional background of Chivayo’s tragic death with which the new books coincided, Msipa said it had been his wish to launch several books once.

“It has been my desire to release many books and songs at once,” he said.

About his ardent admiration for Chivayo, Msipa said it was Chivayo’s marriage that stood out exemplary, though the late businessman was mostly known for his giving and other things.

“Sir Wicknell Chivayo's demise touched me. Death pains the living. Just like any family member who passes on, Sir Wicknell is no exception, his death pained many. We will miss his statement, 'Go and see Victor!' One other thing which many of us overlook about him was his love for his wife, the late Lulu. I think if all of us should take a leaf off that marriage, the idea of sleeping with a small adze and/or an axe under the mattress or pillow in domestic disputes would go,” said Msipa.

The new batch includes other biographical books about prominent Zimbabwean personalities such as President Emmerson Mnangagwa, Phillip Chiyangwa, Mthuli Ncube, Strive Masiyiwa, some children’s books and a textbook.

As a teacher by profession, Msipa believes that documenting what is happening will save future generations from being served with a wrong narrative.

“In my non -fictional works, I am writing for someone to understand yesterday's, today's and tomorrow's everyday people. I am documenting what is happening in terms of development,” Msipa said.

The poet's interests are expanding. He also has ventured into music together with his son Tawanda. Furthermore, he hopes to launch a publishing house called Black Mampara Publishers.

“I would like to continue working with children and young people in making sure that they read books by Zimbabweans for Zimbabweans. They need to read stories by us and they should also write theirs. A new publishing house, 'Black Mampara Publishers' is still in its infancy and is there for aspiring and established writers. Books must fill our libraries at home and at school. The Ministry of Education for Primary and Secondary Schools and the Ministry of Art must be funded to buy books for schools. Schools must have grants for buying books. I call upon School Development Committees to consider buying books for their learners,” said Msipa. 

Titles of some of his new releases are: ‘Grade 7 Composition Handbook’, ‘Ufuza Hwadhongi’, ‘Mota YaSichuwesheni naSichupeti’, ‘Chivayo: Patriot, Believer, Giver’, ‘Wicknell Chivayo: A Millionaire, Myths and Miracles’, ‘Munhumutapa’, ‘Emmerson Mnangagwa: The People’s Leader’, ‘100 Heroes: A House Built By All People’, ‘Nyika Inovakwa Nevene Vayo’, ‘Phillip Chiyangwa: Power, Property and Politics’, ‘Mthuli Moyo: A Man Who Brought Smiles in Cowdray Park Area’.  

  Undoubtedly, such new offerings kindle readers’ curiosity. Titles alone don't fill up the basket. Getting the book or books is wiser, wisest to read because only after reading can one begin to understand or misunderstand the author. Msipa can be contacted on +263718782302 or alternatively via email blackmampara74@gmail.com

For Lulu and Wicky — An Eulogy

By Black Mampara, The Poet (2026)

They Gave

I did not get to say goodbye,

the door closed too sudden, too soon.

One moment you were here with us,

the next, you were gone with the afternoon.

But what you left behind still speaks,

louder than death ever can.

You gave — not just with your hands,

but with your whole heart, like a man of God.

To the Vapositori in white,

you carried cloth and kindness.

To the united churches,

you carried love without division.

Lulu — gentle soul,

Wicky — faithful heart,

you taught us that giving is praying,

that love is the truest art.

We are devastated, yes,

we weep because we loved you deep.

But we will not let your giving die,

we will keep what you taught us to keep.

Go well, Lulu and Wicky.

Rest in the peace you gave to others.

Your journey was short and sudden,

but your love will live in all of us.

TANAKA CHIDORA RELEASES A SHONA POETRY COLLECTION

Released on September 30, 2026

Established writer Memory Chirere (above) passionately reading Tanaka Chidora’s new poetry collection ‘Kasi Wogwarazve Kahi?’ Also, watch the video Chirere reading 'the poem 'Mazheti' below. 

For more info, contact Chidora on +265 983386073

Watch video: Memory Chirere reading from Chidora’s new book

PROFESSOR FRANCIS MATAMBIROFA TAKES READERS TO ‘THOSE BISCUITS YEARS’  

Prof Francis Matambirofa - author of  the newly published memoir  ‘Those Biscuits Years!’ You can get in touch with him. Contact: +263 772398148

POET MAMBO GURAMATUNHU ANNOUNCES ARRIVAL OF ‘BVUTE’ 

Mambo displays the front cover of his new book 'Bvute'

“I am humbled and thrilled to officially announce the launch of my latest heritage poetry collection BVUTE. BVUTE is more than just a book; it is a bridge between our traditional wisdom and modern identity. In a world where many believe that success means living like VaRungu, BVUTE stands boldly as a testament to the sweetness, depth, and richness of our native Shona language, culture and identity. It is a deep exploration of Chivanhu, Tsika ne Magariro, echoing the timeless African spirit of Ubuntu (I am because we are.) A huge, heartfelt shout-out to our overall sponsor and partner SAHWIGATE and SAHWIRA EVENTS AND LIFESTYLE (SEAL)!  Your immense support ensures that our culture and heritage are celebrated on the grand stage they deserve. Without you, this legacy would not be possible.” – Poet Mambo Guramatunhu

OFFICIAL BOOK LAUNCH

Date: Thursday, 13 November 2026

Venue:  Sahwira Events and Lifestyle (SEAL), 1557 Cnr Watts Road, Ardbennie, Harare (along Simon Mazorodze)

Time: 6pm to 9pm 

Tickets will be available soon. Contact: +263 77 960 9900 

or Email: ngonidzasheparadza93@gmail.com

FRESH ON THE SCENE 

BEYOND OUR BORDERS

CANADIAN POET WINS 2026 NOBEL PRIZE IN LITERATURE

☆☆☆

Coming soon: Well-known poet, Shona editor, writer and journalist Tinashe Muchuri talks about his recent visit to China. And so much more about things literary.

Don't miss!

THANK YOU!

HERE COMES THE KING: MAMBO GURAMATUNHU THE POET

 By Beaven Tapureta

Mambo Guramatunhu delivering poetry at an event

High-flying spoken word artist Ngonidzashe Paradza, popularly known as Mambo Guramatunhu, is proud of his humble beginning and the resilience that he has had to muster up to be where he is now.  

The boy child who grew up poor and orphaned in rural Chiredzi under the care of a family guardian has now grown into an award-winning poet and storyteller illuminating events with his rich Shona poems and message of ubuntu. 

The resplendence that his career today vibrates with is but the height of a process that the Muse initiated him into some time ago. 

A student at Chikato Primary School in Zimuto, Masvingo, he had high dreams of a smooth academic ascension just like the rest of his peers. As a bright learner, he was endowed with supportive teachers and a word-spinning grandmother. 

“At home my gogo was a good Shona speaker. Vaiisa nyaudzosingwi, tsumo uye vaitaura nemadimikira. So the combination of gogo, my love for reading and my passion for music sparked the desire to create my own stories, songs and plays. I started playing gallon guitars and ‘magaba’ as early as in Grade Four. My mom used to hate it but later loved it before she died,” remembers Mambo Guramatunhu.

All seemed well for the boy then, but life hid its own vicious dictates. His parents died before he could finish Grade 7. The future looked shadowy. Although later he did pass his final Grade 7 examination, the fees for him to proceed to secondary school could not be found. For three consecutive years, he repeated Grade 7, passing each final exam. Who knew this was the beginning of the poetical awakening in him! He fell in love with Shona novels at his disposal and started to write own poems.

“This is the time I started writing poems in the mountains, herding cattle while my peers were at school,” he says.

Luckily, it happened that his late father’s friend, a headmaster at Chimbwembwe Secondary School, came to his rescue, gave him more books and also invited him to attend school for free. But then, Mambo Guramatunhu, academically gifted as he was, skipped Form One to catch up with his stream in Form 2. 

One day in Form 3, he performed a poem at school and mesmerized the audience with his natural word-play. From then on, his poetry attracted the attention of many, including a government minister who would present him with $20 whenever he performed. 

“I performed for local councillors, MPs and ministers. Minister Stanley Mudenge used to give me $20 after performing. My teachers and the community kept encouraging me,” says the NAMA award-winning Mambo Guramatunhu.

The path he had chosen opened wider and led to opportunities almost predominant over academic ones. 

Today he boasts of many artistic blessings, but also he knows the journey is yet to be finished. Through collaboration, mentorship and personal uniqueness, he has carved a niche in the spoken word realm.

 Mambo says he initially wanted to create his own kind of poetry called poesic, given that he had learnt how to play musical instruments like ngoma, acoustic guitar, mbira and hosho.

“I wanted it to be a combination of poetry and music like what Albert Nyathi did with ‘Senzenina’. However, I am more of a stage poet. My goal is to capture emotions, attention and create the intended atmosphere. It’s not bad accompanying poetry with mbira or marimba to give it meaning and identity. However a poem can be powerful too without any background sounds. It depends on what the poet prefers,” says Mambo. 

His recorded poetry, powered by sentimental musical background and collaborative voices of other local artists, gets deep to the soul of a listener. For example, productions such as ‘Teerera’, fusing Shona and Ndebele, has rich vocals, well-integrated instrumentals, and gives voice to a parent giving good advice to his/her child. And with different backgrounds, ‘Mhiri Kwatakaenda’ portrays the plight of migrants in foreign lands, ‘Economy Mandimba-ndimba’ envisions a better and corruption-free Zimbabwe and ‘Social Media’ bemoans the loss of ubuntu on social media as well as highlights its potential for positive change. 

Mambo acknowledges the gains of collaborating with both the young and established Zimbabwean artists such as prominent producer Mono Mukundu.

“Working with Mono is a great experience; I learnt sound and understanding my own identity as a poet, professionalism and respect. I also have worked with artists Allicious and Equation. I have worked with Baba Harare. I have written songs for other artists, shared stage with a lot of celebrated artists including Jah Prayzah at private events. I have seen my work being promoted recently by Winky D at their Facebook page, the vigilance community.”

Not only from collaboration has the poet benefited, but also mentorship from the other experienced poets. As there are few arts colleges in Zimbabwe where artists can get formal training, Mambo believes mentorship provides the balance. He himself is currently pursuing a diploma in Performance in Arts at the Music Consultancy Society in Waterfalls, Harare, but still having mentors is valuable in any career development.

“Talent alone is not enough. I feel talent is 50% and other things 50%. You may not need formal training but having a mentor develops your talent. For instance, from Albert Nyathi you can learn it’s possible to go international with poetry; same as from Chirikure Chirikure, you can learn how Shona can open doors globally and that you can host international arts festivals rather than just being a poet. From Abel Mauchi one can learn you don’t need to be much educated to be a great writer. So l think mentorship in our field can somehow beat formal training,” says Mambo.

His themes are wide-ranging: xenophobia, rights of women and children, both the destructive and the positive impact of social media, and many others. For him, poetry has power to recover culture and identity. 

“At some time I thought Africa had lost it all but now I see a new wave of young people coming back to their roots to love their traditional food, loving their mitupo (totems), loving their mitauro (indigenous languages). A lot of young people are now anxious to know their roots. Us as poets we exist as vanguards of tangible and intangible heritage,” he says.

Although he has been more popular on stage, Mambo has a published book Kumberi Takamirigwa (2021) that has done equally well and still selling more copies. Before this year ends, he will be launching another book of poetry titled Bvute.

“This year in October I am dropping Bvute another poetry book. It’s about heritage and culture,” he says, adding that he trusts reading culture is existent as long as people adapt to change. 

“The future of books is bright. However, books must meet the day’s demands. People are now getting lazy to read, so let’s make audio books, adapt plays from books, and if one’s writings are good, books can still be read and bought.”

Mambo Guramatunhu urges fellow poets to claim their space. 

“Poetry needs more publicized shows, media coverage; poets must create good videos and submit them to television. We should have poetry programmes like Top 10 on radio or television every Friday but unfortunately poets are not producing work, not doing videos, not submitting to radio and television. However, it might not be our problem but we don’t have capital since poetry is less paying in our country,” says Mambo, a degree-holder and secondary school teacher although he is not teaching at any school at the moment. 

***

BLESSED WAS YOUR HAND THAT GIVETH

The late writer and educationist, Ericah Gwetai

We were so heart-broken when we heard the news that writer Ericah Gwetai is no more. She passed on September 18, 2026, aged 84. A mother and friend of WIN, gogo Gwetai’s love for imparting knowledge to the young marked her personality. As a writer, she was prolific and outstanding. As a loving mother, she mothered a star – the late celebrated author Yvonne Vera whose literary works continue to draw international attention. 

Regularly, we would talk with gogo Gwetai and she fed us with news about her books and advice for life. The WIN library initiative which we started in Epworth received her support in words and in deeds. In 2022, although resident in Bulawayo, she found someone (travelling to Harare) whom she gave books for the library.  

Later in December the same year, she sent another gift, a Christmas gift of books which included Shona classics such as Mashiripiti Engozi, Pfumo Reropa, Kunyarara Hakusi Kutaura? , Kurumwa Nechokuchera, Chamupupuri, Kutonhodzwa KwaChauruka, Ndakambokuyambira, Garandichauya, Rudo Ibofu, and Kusasana Kunoparira. 

Although God has taken her to her eternal home, we will always cherish the rare and enriching blessing of books of her own and those by others which she gave us whole-heartedly. We will always remember and love you, gogo. For you, we will not give up. May your soul rest in Peace. 

❤️❤️

LATEST RECOGNITION FOR ZIMBABWEAN LITERATURE

 

CONGRATULATIONS!

Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza, shortlisted for the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing

Blessing Musariri, shortlisted for the 2026 Kirkus Prize

We hope you are doing fine. The literary sun never sets in Zimbabwe. We would like to congratulate writers Blessing Musariri and Simbarashe Steyn Kundizeza for being shortlisted for the 2026 Kirkus Prize and  the 2026 Caine Prize for African Writing espectively. MAKOROKOTO!

HAVE YOU EVER THOUGHT ABOUT IT?

Have you ever thought about it – that each time we are in this month of September, you can hear a distant echo of the title This September Sun ((2009, AmaBooks), which is of a novel by award-winning Zimbabwean writer Bryony Rheam?  It does happen to readers that certain book titles have their own memorable rebounds, which just emerge from the mental archive in such anniversary-like manner. And, at such moments, wherever you may be, comes the joy and desire of wanting to re-read the book! 

L. RON HUBARD QUOTE

WRITER KAVENGA NEVER LETS GO THE PEN

We found this article about his latest book: Kavenga Returns With New Shona Collection

Simbarashe Kavenga

***

Don’t miss our newsletter (VOL 2, ISSUE NO 30)  coming anytime soon!

THANK YOU, WE LOVE YOU ALL

BUILDING SOMETHING PERMANENT

WIN accolades

When a long time ago our ancestors built the monuments that today are national heritage material, they didn't have financial resources but only stones, purpose and passion. The Great Zimbabwe and Khami Ruins stand out as unique. This surely inspires us to follow suit - to build a permanent legacy in any field that will serve the future. 

The late Oliver "Tuku" Mtukudzi, our local 'Bob Marley' in terms of his penetrative music and talent of voice, remains a great legacy maker. He left us the Pakare Paye Arts Centre in Norton to help new talent. There are other local game-changers who have created places of wonder in the different arts sections of Zimbabwe. The stone sculptors have their hubs across the country. Cultural centres are emerging. A year ago, the L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site opened in Alexandra Park, Harare. One man called Hubbard was driven by a desire to build something permanent, and generations after generations will cherish his life and works collected in his former residence in Alexandra Park.

Likewise, our little library initiative in Epworth, with its currently running Children’s Reading Club, is not a joke but a real dream. It shall come to fruition. How it's progressing through the ups and downs, points to the wise saying that 'patience pays'. We may not have the mortar,but we have the stones and craftsmanship. We will pick up the books you throw away, we will mend them where they are broken, dust them and put them in shelves where they comfortably await the touch of a hand that seeks knowledge and wisdom. We will accept the old and newly published ones, celebrate and take care of them like newborns. Give them to us. Books are our bones, not even phones have such a beautiful feel or look as of a book held by a child, a man or woman sitting on a park bench or in a bus or under a mango tree or even in places reserved for quiet reading. Donate books to us, and we will always thank you. Books for all ages, poetry, fiction, drama, literary nonfiction and magazines, etc, etc. We also accept library furniture and gadgets you may want to dispose of. THANK YOU. 

A young reader, Praise Rato, in the WIN library

Contact: winzimbabwe@gmail.com 

WIN LITERARY NEWSLETTER, VOL 2, ISSUE NO 29

EDITORIAL 

WIN director Beaven Tapureta presenting acceptance speech after receiving the ‘Good Works Promotion Award’ on behalf of WIN

Group photo of guests at the L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site 1st Anniversary celebration on July 31, 2026 [Photo by L. Ron Hubbard Media Team]

Organisational friendships thrive where there is appreciation of one another’s efforts, visions. This is what the one-year old partnerships between the L. Ron Hubbard Landmark Site in Alexandra Park and local organizations have shown. 

Writers International Network Zimbabwe (WIN) was one of the organizations invited to celebrate the Site’s first anniversary on July 31, 2026, at its location in Harare. The organization was represented by two of its board members Rumbidzai Mubirira, Tinashe Muchuri and its director.

From left: WIN board members Rumbidzai Mubirira and Tinashe Muchuri, and director Beaven Tapureta holding the award

As a show of gratitude to ‘friends of L. Ron Hubbard’ for their support in the last 12 months, the Site awarded volunteers certificates in different categories. WIN was recipient of the ‘Good Works Promotion Award’ for its free work to familiarize Zimbabwean authors with L. Ron Hubbard large body of internationally celebrated literary works. 

Since its official launch last year, the Site has made many friends with various local organizations and personalities that volunteered to promote L. Ron Hubbard’s legacy in Zimbabwe. These friends have been inviting more other friends to tour the Site and get to understand who L. Ron Hubbard was and what legacy he left for Zimbabwe and beyond.  

WIN would like to thank Dr Ignitius Mabasa for the love and warm guidance he blessed WIN with in the past years. His resignation from the WIN Board few months ago due to pressure of work will leave an indelible mark. Yet it is indeed comforting that Dr Mabasa has promised to always be there for WIN.

Please enjoy our newsletter!     

WIN ONLINE WORKSHOPS UPDATE

The monthly online workshops (on the Whatsapp platform) which started April this year are a virtual space for growth which WIN members need to add to their creative writing learning schedules. The inaugural workshop was facilitated by respected American poet Dr Suzanne Ondrus under the theme ‘How to Put Your Poem in Different Containers’. 

In May members enjoyed a great moment with renowned writers Memory Chirere and Chirikure Chirikure who co-facilitated a workshop under the topic ‘Writing and Performing Poetry and Managing the Process’.  

WIN hopes to resume this online workshops program this August after taking a June-July break. Do you want to take part? Join and subscribe now! For more information, feel free to contact +263 77 651 8653.  

SOME NEW BOOKS, MORE READING FUN! BUY THE ORIGINAL!

Destined for Stardom (autobiography) by Dr Simon Lennox Mkondo

Contact: +263 77 330 3188

Makunun’unu Maodzamoyo (re-print) by Dr Charles Mungoshi

E-copies to be available soon 

Contact: +447930886603 or +263784427525

Author Hosea Tokwe (above) with his new short story collection The Khule Tokwe Diaries

Contact: +263 77 374 7814

Mukoma Mutsemhure Negitare by Simbarashe C Kavenga

Contact: +263 77 507 1268 (publisher)

 Unstoppable March of the Human Condition: Essays on Politics and Literature by Andrew Chatora

To be released soon

Contact: +44 7733 383834

Whispers and Screams (a poetry anthology)

Contact: +263 73 380 4947

L. RON HUBBARD WRITERS AND ILLUSTRATORS OF THE FUTURE CONTEST 2nd QUARTER WINNERS ANNOUNCED

Second-quarter Writers of the Future:

First Place – Richard Kirby from Thailand

Second Place – Scott R. Dantzler from Florida

Third Place – C. M. Andrews from Utah

Second-quarter Illustrators of the Future:

Gilbert Rodriguez from Florida

Rowan Salah from Egypt

Josh Viera from Connecticut

Congratulations to the winners! You can also enter the Writer Contest.

Visit the website: www.writersofthefuture.com

SOME SCENES L. RON HUBBARD LANDMARK SITE 1ST ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION IN HARARE

ZWA HOLDS SECOND HARARE WRITERS’ MEET-UP

On Saturday, August 1, 2026, Zimbabwe Writers Association held its second writers’ meet-up at Theatre in the Park, Harare Gardens. Below are few images from the meeting. 

Do you want to be part of the monthly writers’ meet-ups? Contact ZWA official +263 77 293 9136 

SHORT STORY

THE TRAP THAT ATE FUTURE

By Black Mampara – Edwin Msipa (2026)

Future was 15 years old and in Form 3 at Broomfield High. He was a bright student. Teachers liked him because he asked questions and his hand was always up during Maths lessons. At home in Chitungwiza, he lived with his mother Mai Future and his younger sister Tino. His father had passed away two years before.

Life was hard. Mai Future worked as a vendor at Makoni Shopping Centre. Every morning, she would leave the house at five to set up her tomatoes and onions at a vending stall. She told Future, "My son, school is your bus to take you out of poverty. Do not play with it."

Everything was fine until the second term when a new boy came to their class. His name was Tino. Not his sister. This Tino wore expensive sneakers and had airtime every day. He drove a second-hand Honda on weekends and told stories about clubs in town.

"Future, why are you always broke?" Tino asked one day after school. "Come with me. I know how to make quick money."

Future said no at first but the pressure grew. Tino started giving him free lunch. He gave him 5 dollars for transport. Slowly, Future began to follow him after school.

The first time they met behind the netball courts. Tino and two older boys were smoking something that smelled sweet and sharp. 

"Try it," Tino said. "It makes you forget problems. It makes you brave."

Future coughed and said no. The second time, he took one pull. The third time, he bought his own.

Within a month, the drug had him. He started missing school lessons. He became rude to teachers. At home he stole Mai Future’s vending money. When she asked him, he shouted and slammed the door. 

At school he changed. He and Tino would break into lockers and take phones and tuck-shop money. They would bully Form 1 boys and take their lunches. Teachers called his mother. Mai Future cried at the headmaster’s office. 

"Please help my child," she begged. "This is not the boy I raised."

Future did not listen. The drug told him he was a king. He needed more money for the next fix. One Friday, he and Tino went to a house in Zengeza to steal a television. A neighbour saw them and called the police.

The police came fast. Future tried to run but he fell. The handcuffs were cold on his wrists. That night he slept on a concrete floor at Zengeza Police Station. The cell smelled of urine and fear. Older men cursed and coughed. 

The next morning Mai Future came. She did not shout. She just looked at him through the bars. Her eyes were red. 

"Future," she said softly, "is this the future we prayed for?"

In court he was given community service and a warning because he was a first offender. But the record stayed. His place at Seke High was taken. His friends from class crossed the road when they saw him.

Today Future is 17. He sweeps the yard at the police station every Saturday. He attends drug counselling sessions on Wednesdays. He is trying to go back to school through night classes. 

He speaks to Form 1 and Form 2 learners now. He stands in front of them with his head down. 

"I thought drugs would make me big," he says. "They made me small. I lost my mother’s trust, my school, and my name. One bad friend can push you into a trap. Say no while you still can. Your future is in your hands, not in a bottle or a wrap."

Mai Future still sells tomatoes. But now Future helps her after class. He has not touched drugs for eight months. He tells himself every day, "Bhora mberi. The trap is behind me."

(Story published from BLACK MAMPARA BOOKS AND ARTS PLATFORM Whatsapp channel)

***

THANK YOU

WANDAYI'S “THE CRUX” IS A REMARKABLE ROMANCE NOVEL

By Beaven Tapureta

Front cover of the novel 'The Crux'

So far with two novels in Shona (Ndaiti Ndinotewo and Joti Nekatani) and one in English (The Crux), Fanuel Wandayi’s marvellous storytelling gift is already visible, and it positively sets a place for him among the new Zimbabwean novel writers. 

His three thrilling novels, published in a short period between 2020 and 2023, indicate his untiring writing energy. Readers are at ease with writers such as Wandayi because they keep producing thoughtful stories reflecting a broad range of themes in human life, themes usually taken for granted.    

Previous reviews of his two Shona novels have theoretically tried to compare him with his contemporaries such as Oscar Gwiriri, because of their handling of the traditional anti-hero technique, citing the eventual misfortunes that befall his protagonists. His second novel Joti Nekatani, the main character Martin gives the impression he would be celebrated at the end, but no. The same thing happens with Hatiponi in Gwiriri’s Hatipone.

Wandayi’s English novel The Crux (2023) offers an experimental romantic tale which is set in a village, township, farm, where the characters are battling different obstacles such as disapproval, cultural belief, superstition, politico-economic challenges, and unsolved issues from the past. 

Miriro, a brilliant sixteen year old Form 4 student, is obviously under-age according to law, but this fact is ignored as she is catapulted into a whirlwind of infatuated emotions which other characters, except his boyfriend, do not understand. An orphan living with her maternal grandmother, Miriro is too young to see the difference between love and infatuation. She admits in her narrator’s voice, “I was just sixteen and therefore too young to understand love, maybe it was infatuation.” 

This is an attention-grabbing opening to the story by the author. It’s what everyone see happening today, under-age girls being surreptitiously welcome in the marriage institution and the girls’ relatives showing no interest to report statutory rape cases for fear of shame in society. 

Later in the ninth chapter when Miriro reveals she’s pregnant, Granny mentions, ‘I am going to see that he gets locked up for statutory rape’. But no action happens.  

Should the blame for early marriages be placed on the adults, or the young girls themselves or the teachers? 

It is shown in the story that Miriro’s Maths teacher has secret feelings for his students. 

However, Miriro’s situation allows the unravelling of some hidden truth about the other characters and their different situations also. Through the author’s gripping plotting, the story becomes not only the narrator’s (that is, Miriro’s), but also a story of her deceased mother, of domestic disputes which orphaned her, of cultural and modern views about love, of her her boyfriend Gabriel the widower, of the land reform, of hope for a better future.     

Gabriel, the stranger who appears to her in the village while she’s watching the ‘southern star’, assumes the Biblical angelic character in Miriro’s imagination. A few days after meeting him, she tells us, ‘I began to believe that maybe he was an angel that had sojourned the village from heaven…” 

Though it is a romantic relationship, the author’s wariness with language is worth applause. Not only love does come alive through controlled, vivid description, but the landscape also. One can visualize it when an affectionate kiss is described. Yet also anger, bitterness, sympathy, other emotions are captured with intensity. The reader is invited to sit with Miriro at sunset and marvel at the ‘southern star’ and the “crescent-shaped moon that was over to the west looking like a golden nail stuck onto the heavens by some extra-terrestrial giant.” As the story begins, a romantic worship of the ‘southern star’ which is traditionally believed to foretell lovers’ future launches the reader into a suspenseful search for what happens next as the star becomes a real person in Miriro's life.

Wandayi’s descriptive powers are enviably immense. Later, when the two lovers attempt a customary marriage at which ceremony the hidden dirt in Miriro’s past rebounds and disagreements occur, one senses Miriro’s (and Gabriel’s) disappointment and sudden loss of appetite through the disdainful description of the served food: “sadza cooked of sorghum meal and black meat of indeterminate source that needed a lot of chewing, and a wash-down of husband’s tea with a few stalks floating, stuck onto the lips of the cups .../ …each bite producing contortions upon his face”. 

A large segment of Africa’s new generation has been ignorant to consequences of rushing into marriage. 

A character named Robert stirs up the customary marriage ceremony because he feels betrayed over a 'contract' made in the past between Miriro’s family and himself following a murder between relations. On the other hand, Gabriel and Miriro, with their madly-in-love attitude, do not take time to heed the elders’ advice, especially her loving grandmother, about certain complications in their relationship. 

The Crux will contribute so much to Zimbabwean literature insofar as it experiments with the concept of love, its emotions amidst a storm seemingly beyond control.

Fanuel Wandayi, the author, was born in Chirumhanzu. He holds a degree in Marketing Management from Midlands State University. The Crux is his first English work. 

Writer Fanuel Wandayi

***

MORE IN OUR FORTHCOMING 

WIN LITERARY NEWSLETTER

-