Registered under the National Arts Council of Zimbabwe

12 August 2016

WIN Newsletter, Issue No 99



EDITORIAL

We love the annual ZIBF Writers’ Workshop: The photo shows, from left, writer Aaron Chiundura Moyo, poet Chirikure Chirikure and ZIBF General Council Chairperson Mrs. Ruby Magosvongwe, chilling after this year’s unforgettable Writers’ Workshop held at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe on July 30, 2016.


Welcome to our 99th issue after a really long time since we last posted its predecessor. Gladly, we are back with a very interesting edition which we hope will lift up your writerly spirits. This issue covers some of the exciting events during the months of June and July. Thank you very much for the patience, you inspire us. Remember we value your feedback so much. One love. Enjoy.


THE STORY OF THE 2016 ZIBF



The 2016 edition of the annual Zimbabwe International Book Fair may have slipped into the past but its memories will be with us forever. Running from July 25 to 30 under the theme “Igniting Interest in Reading for Sustainable Development”, the book extravaganza had some momentous segments despite it being drawn back a bit due to funding constraints. WIN Online Media Team snapped into some of the book events and we hereby bring you the story of the Book Fair through these few images.

Delegates at the Indaba Conference held on July 25 and 26 at the Monomotapa Hotel, Harare

Delegates listen to a presentation
Albert Nyathi reading from his new co-authored book My Son during Indaba
Minister of Primary and Secondary Education Dr. Lazarus Dokora officially opening the ZIBF Exhibitions at the Harare Gardens on July 27

Albert Nyathi performing at the official opening of the ZIBF

Seke Teachers College Traditional Dance Group doing what they know best
 
Some delegates at the official opening
A busy Zimbabwe Women Writers exhibition stand

Children enjoy proceedings at the Children Reading Tent

Storytelling time at the Tent
Author Farayi Mungoshi with officials from the Library of Congress

School kids at the Weaver Press stand 

Some writers/WIN members at the Writers’ Workshop: From left – Clever Kavenga, Chipo Musikavanhu, Chenjerai Mhondera and Yeukai Mapingure

Aaron Chiundura Moyo (right) and a colleague at the Writers Workshop

Mixing and mingling time at the Writers Workshop


2016 ETISALAT PRIZE FOR LITERATURE: CALL FOR ENTRIES





The Etisalat Prize for Literature is the first ever Pan African Prize celebrating debut African writers of published fiction. It is designed to recognize and reward debut fiction writers of African citizenship. The platform was launched in 2013 to bridge the growing gap between talented writers and the world at large by giving first time African writers a platform where their writing prowess can be presented to the world thus acting as a spring board for them in their budding writing careers.

The call for entries for the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature which is in its fourth year was announced on June 1, 2016 and will close on AUGUST 31, 2016. This year, our Judges will certainly be looking out for creativity - an expression of innovation, which is key to the success of the Etisalat brand.

The winner of the Prize will receive a cash reward of £15,000, a sponsored Fellowship at the School of Creative Writing, University of East Anglia, an engraved Montblanc Meisterstück pen, a high end device as well as book tours in three countries.

For more information on how to enter please visit http://prize.etisalat.com.ng. All applications for the Prize will be accepted via post only, please fill and download the application form on http://prize.etisalat.com.ng/entry.php


NEW ARRIVALS!

To say Zimbabwean writers have lapsed in their creative output is a falsehood as each month books written by new and established authors are being published online and in print via both self-publishing and the traditional publishing system. To believe our words, try to go to bed with one of the following books published in 2016. Reading is power!

On His Blossom Vs Celestial Sympathy (2016, Balukwa Books) by Sympathy Sibanda Mazuruse 


Sympathy Sibanda

Sympathy Sibanda Mazuruse is a communication strategist, a humanitarian, a co-business owner and consultant. She is also a voice over artist, performance poet, writer and songwriter. Sympathy says she uses words to empower herself and others. For her, words are also weapons of construction. “My poetry is inspired by life. Life is the greatest teacher. What my friends, family, country and I go through inspires my message of hope,” she says. The anthology is blessed as it features a poem written by her father!  Sympathy enjoys training marginalized women to market their crafts on digital platforms. As a consultant, she provides editing, marketing, and advertising services.
  
Painful Tears (2016, Rock Printers and Publlishers) by Junior Dhauramanzi

Junior Dhauramanzi

Behind The Wall Everywhere by Farayi Mungoshi

 Farayi Mungoshi (left) with senior writer Virginia Phiri at the 2016 ZIBF

“The short stories in Behind the Wall Everywhere stun with their shocking intensity and tenderness. Almost everywhere – from the bridge on the road that leads into the township and from the top of the all-knowing tower light, and even from within the house of mourning, to the faraway lands of their supposed refuge – men and women, black and white, strip off their masks to reveal passion at its most elemental and sublime. Each of these characters is out of the ordinary and is steadily perceived. Farayi Mungoshi is one of the most important, graceful and honest new voices to come into print in Zimbabwe. He can teach you to care and he can make you laugh too, if you still have anything left in your heart. Here is a powerful and wild book, containing the genuine short story, sincere, individual and strictly economical.” (An endorsement at the back of the book)

My Son (2016, Imbongi Arts Publications) by Albert Nyathi and Ignitius Mabasa


So much wisdom is shared in this book
Humour mingled with profound idioms
Advising the young about real life skills
Kissing at random can lead to the killing
Every facet of life is beautifully touched

Such powerful imagery cannot be missed
Providing entertainment pregnant with wit
Espousing ageless standards of due respect
All in the form of a fable set on a high table
Read and reread for your fill and leave fear
The above is an endorsement by Gilbert uMzenzi Mabasa (The Teacher) at the back of the book
 Writers Shimmer Chinodya (left) and Ignitius Mabasa

Albert Nyathi
Days Of My Youth by Lisbon Tawanda Chigwenjere

Lisbon Chigwenjere

Click Here to read Bookshelf’s review of The Days of My Youth
  
Izinyawo Zayizolo (2016, Radiant Publishing Company) by Tsitsi Nomsa Ngwenya

Tsitsi Nomsa Ngwenya

Izinyawo Zayizolo yindatshana eqathanisa ukuthethwa kwamacala kwelezolo, ngezindlela zakudala; lokwakhathesi emthethwandaba yesiLungu. Kambe okwezolo kungcono na kulokwalamhla? Yikusilela bani okukhona ekwenzeni kwalamhla lokwezolo?
Sikhumbula njalo amasiko ethu; awokucela izulu, ukugcina inhlanyelo, amalima, ukuthathana, lokunye njalo. Zifundele uzizwele. Sibona njalo intombi, uZanele Hadebe, ezidla ezibindi njengofudu. Yozala nkomoni?
English version titled Yesterday’s Footprints will be coming soon! 

Demo Rine Ropa (2016, Pen Featherz Media) by Kelvin Mangwende

Kelvin Mangwende


The collection of Shona short stories, according to the blurb,  “deal with the vast struggles that come with being in serious or meagre relationships, marriage and the commitments for the Zimbabwean populace in detailed well woven plots”.
Other books by the same author include plays Chaminuka and Chimurenga, and The Rainbird is Dead, a poetry anthology.
 
Editor’s note: If you know of any novel, poetry anthology, play, etc. published this year in any language recognised in Zimbabwe, feel free to write to write to us: winzimbabwe@gmail.com  


 AN EVENING WITH SHIMMER CHINODYA

Theatre guru and founder of Theatre in the Park, Daves Guzha (left), in an interesting conversation with Chinodya at the launch of ‘Harvest of Thorns Classic: A Play’.

The official book launch of Harvest of Thorns Classic: A Play (2016, Pearson Education Africa) written by renowned author Shimmer Chinodya was held at the Theatre in the Park on Thursday evening, July 28, 2016. The play is based on the author’s internationally acclaimed novel Harvest of Thorns.
The launch included a performance of an extract from the new play and the performance was but a splendid display of talent as the actors/characters, events and mood gripped the audience from start to end. Moments of laughter and sadness carried the night away as justice to the play was done on the stage. Shimmer Chinodya wrote the play, directed and produced it. After the performance, Daves Guzha engaged Chinodya in a conversation that looked into various issues about the author, the play, etc. The audience, composed of actors/actresses, writers, poets, musicians, promoters and others, also had a chance to congratulate and ask Shimmer a few questions.
The book launch happened at the same time the Zimbabwe International Book Fair was running, hence providing double joy for writers. Below are a few pictures WIN managed to capture:


Writers were having a good time a few minutes before the launch of Chinodya's play. From left: Stanley Mushava, Phillip Chidavaenzi, Dakarai Mashava, Farayi Mungoshi and Memory Chirere.

Some of Chinodya’s books on sale at the launch

Writer Monica Mupambawashe Cheru (left) was the emcee, seen here with a fan of the writer and with Chinodya’s jokes, you just can’t stop laughing!

ENJOY STANLEY MUSHAVA’S ARTICLE ABOUT THE EVENT


GET READY FOR THE 2016 WRITIVISM FESTIVAL
(Details gleaned from Writivism ‘information department’)



Venue: Uganda Museum, Kira Road, Kampala, Uganda

The festival hosts a variety of events including book launches, film screenings, performances, panel discussions and keynote addresses - 90% of the events are FREE!
At the festival there will be Ugandan, African and international authors.

If you'd like to purchase a ticket for one of the Premier events visit our offices at the Uganda Museum, in the Uganda Society Library on Kira Road, or call us on
+256787818132, or contact us on Facebook and/or Twitter.

 
FEATURED EVENTS AT WRITIVISM THIS YEAR INCLUDES:
  • Long Story Short: Thursday, 25 August, 1800hrs
  • How To Spell Naija and We Are All Blue: Thursday 25, 1800hrs (FREE)
  • Keynote Address by Zukiswa Wanner: Friday 26, 1600hrs (FREE)

Zukiswa Wanner

  • Double Book Launch (A Poetic Diet and The Ghosts of 1894):
Friday, 26 August, 1800hrs (FREE)

  • 2016 Writivism speakers include:

Peter Kagayi (Uganda)

Kate Haines (International)

Stanley Gazemba (African)

Doreen Baingana (Uganda)

THE YOUTH PERSPECTIVE

With Mimi Machakaire

Puppet

I lie in the dark waiting to be controlled
I listen to the sounds of feet as though my box is being patrolled
My strings lie limply waiting to be pulled
Thy master thinks I have no heart, no soul. I think, he to be incredibly fooled
By his choice I am released, as the light shines upon my eyes
Knowing what is to happen next makes me wish I could cry
My life is however controlled, by the actions of thy master
One false move and all this life turns to disaster
I watch him prance me around and wish that I could tell him ‘No’
But I cannot speak that which my heart desires so
I dream that I will one day think, move and speak on my own
But those dreams slowly die, become shattered, crushed and thrown
My fragile body is sensitive to just one bang against the hard wood floor
This happens often, as thy master’s fingers slip forevermore
When this first happened I assumed him to be new towards this game
But as the years went by I see no improvement to his name
He has told me stories of his dream of fame
Despite being unable to speak I listen, and hope he trains
Though there’s a part of me that wonders what he thinks he would gain
For fame is only fleeting in this world, and eventually causes pain
His skills I can feel are faulty to make it worse
And there’s a chance his profession has been cursed
For puppet masters are uncommon in this modern world of today
Yet still he seems to not care and lives his life in his own way
Nonetheless, my doubts I obey and do what he tells me to do
I have no choice and this is true
When he is through, and his practice for the day is done
He places me back in my box, and this is where I have fun
When the lights go down, I attempt to move myself around
I train my joints to bend on their own
And yet still they feel like stone
I practice with thy mind as much as I possibly can
For this is my dream to become a real man
As my wooden muscles soften bit by bit, night by night
My determination grows stronger as well as my might
I plan to one day, successfully teach myself how to make my body move as one
And then escape the torture from thy master once the job is done
Yes it will be sad to leave him stranded
As his profession as puppet master has been branded
But my life means more to me than his
And when that day comes I will leave and say goodbye with a kiss


VOICE OF THE GIRL CHILD

 
Mudikani Gondora

Peace Is Possible Launch

It takes great courage and deepest humility for one to stand for what is right this day and age. It also requires a sacrificial heart to honour and uphold that which benefits humanity. In this restless world full of turmoil and hopelessness, it is comforting to see some great individuals rising to resuscitate peace and sanity. However, it is a pity that in our communities we embraced socially unhealthy cultures and beliefs which are robbing us of our brighter generations. Religious practices are also part and parcel of this pandemonium that snatches away all our happiness.

Cases of early child marriages and child brides have become predominant because they were left to spread from time immemorial to the present.  Regardless of its known disastrous implications and complications, the ignorant humanity does not consider it so. Young, immature and still growing up girls are considered as appropriate candidates for marriage.  In most cases, they are forced into marriages of convenience which undoubtedly are not for their own convenience. The perpetrators take advantage of the girls’ vulnerability and inability to speak out. They capitalize on their lack of knowledge. Girls as early as the age of 12 years are exposed to cruel experiences of marriage which even mature married women cannot handle.  These innocent girls are infected with HIV/AIDS, exposed to STIs and exposed to cervical cancer by engaging in sexual activities at that age. To worsen the situation, they are further made ignorant by having their right to education ripped away from them. Will there be a fulfilment of dreams she once had when at 15 years old she is married or rather attached to a 70 year old man and having her own baby? These hideous and harsh experiences leave young people, especially girls, suffering both physically and emotionally. However, if everyone stands up against early child marriages and say no to child brides, the world would be a better place. 

I would love to applaud JCI Capital on its heroic initiative to introduce Peace Is Possible (PIP). PIP was launched on June 14, 2016 in Eastgate, Harare.  Young people full of zeal and sympathy have seen the need to take action and participate towards the reduction and abolition of the early child marriage nonsense. The event was graced by visionary diplomats as well as influential organisations such as GirlsRus, Tag a life, International Youth of Peace and ONHRI.
Highly profiled woman Miss Nyaradzo Mashayamombe, founder of Tag of a Life, was expected to be guest speaker but she could not make it to the event and she was represented by Ms Emelda Vhiriri, the organization's Programs Officer.

The theme of the launch was Sustainable Development Goals #16 And the Importance of Partnership in Achieving the Goal.' Areas that were discussed included violation of women and children’s rights, zero tolerance to child marriages and the challenges our communities are facing and possible solutions.

All this was in attempt to try and create a healthier community for our girls in Zimbabwe, Africa and globally. I believe that charity begins at home and I would like to commend PIP for this spectacular, extraordinary and life transforming initiative. With PIP and you and me, there is hope for a peaceful community. 

#Peace is Possible. 

MBIRA DZENHETEMBO
(Poems by members of WIN-Zim)

Ndokutenda Sei?
NaTilda B Gozho (above)

Wakandigamha ndave kudonha
Wakandisimudza ndadonha
Wakandirwira kune vaindidenha
Wakandimbundira ndagona

Ndokutenda sei?
Ndokutenda nei?
Ndokupei?

Wakandinyaradza ndichichema
Wakandiperekedza pakufamba
Wakandidaira ndichiimba
Kwandiri rako zino harisi rema

Ndokutenda sei?
Ndokutenda nei?
Ndokupei?
Wakandiita munhu anokosha
Wakandidzivirira kune dzese hosha
Kuna amai vangu wakava akatendeka
Pandakakudana hauna kunanaira sehozhwa

Ndokutenda sei?
Ndokutenda nei?
Ndokupei?

Born in 1996, Tilda Benadaty Gozho is currently studying for a Media and Cultural Studies degree at the Great Zimbabwe University (Mashava Campus). She is a devoted member of the Apostolic Faith Mission in Zimbabwe. Tilda proudly says her role model and best friend is her paternal aunt, Mrs. Alice Paul, with whom she stays. She is a product of the WIN Glen View 2 High Writers Club.

Nzendo
Na Pumulani Chipandambira

Mukati mechanza changu
Muzere twuhova
Hatwuereri

Muzere twunzira
Hatwuna anofamba
Hatwuna kure kwatwunosvika

Twunondifungisa twurwendo twandafamba
Kusvika pandave
Hatwuna anoziva
Twurwendo
Twuzere mipangara


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