Writers International Network Zimbabwe: 01/10/2025

EDITORIAL

Rising star NoViolet Bulawayo (above) recently honoured with the 2025 Best of Caine Prize award

Welcome to our newsletter as we celebrate writers and writing. 2025 has been eventful for writers, and we’re assured this last quarter of the year is going to be packed too. New book releases and launches, book festivals, workshops, writers get-togethers, et cetera. Not forgetting our writing brothers and sisters abroad who are also carrying the undying light. One of them, NoViolet Bulawayo, has just been awarded Best of Caine Prize for her story ‘Hitting Budapest’ which in 2011 won the Caine Prize. The award celebrates Caine Prize 25^th anniversary. We say big congratulations to NoViolet! Well done.

At WIN, we are alive and always grateful. We are not losing hope. Your support is really amazing. You are a wonderful people indeed. Please enjoy!

CELEBRATING THE OFFICIAL LAUNCH OF 'THE MAD’

By Beaven Tapureta

In the cool evening of October 10 a gathering of ‘the mad’ writers, publishers, artists, arts journalists, academics, friends and family enjoyed the memorable official launch of The Mad, a newly co-published English translation of Ignatius T Mabasa’s 1999 great Shona book Mapenzi.

A charming mood prevailed at the National Art Gallery of Zimbabwe as mbira songbird Hope Masike livened up the event with her spiritually powered music.

Although the waiting for the new baby is now over, the story behind it is of a devoted team of ‘doctors’ that withstood the hiccups yet cherished some positive experiences in its process of birth.

Guest speaker Aaron Chiundura Moyo, who is a renowned writer, playwright and actor, left everyone in stitches as he congratulated ‘The Mad’ author Mabasa for drawing a crowd of ‘the mad’ in the room.

Speaking after Mabasa’s wife Conelia had told of how the Mapenzi draft manuscript became Ignatius’ ‘bait’ to win her love, Chiundura Moyo said artists in their budding years generally do that. One can imagine the young Mabasa walking up to the girl with that special ‘I am-a-writer-babe’ pride, flashing the manuscript in front of her like a sweetener, giving his all for love.

But Mrs Mabasa’s story reminded Chiundura Moyo of a time he also once lured and excitedly shared one of his manuscripts with a girl who never returned it. Nobody knows if she read it and worse still, she never mentioned she loved him too!

Chiundura Moyo went on to touch on very serious issues pertinent to the business of translation, warning that in the absence of a clear cultural understanding of the original language, translators may kill our literature instead of promoting it globally.

READ FULL REPORT HERE

Below Are Scenes From The Book Launch

(Photos by Wisrod and Tsitsi Nomsa Ngwenya)

ZIBF ANNOUNCES DATES FOR HARARE BOOK EVENT

THE L RON HUBBARD ALEXANDRA HOUSE UPDATES

September 13: Members and affiliates of

the Interreligious Association for Peace and Development Zimbabwe (IAPDZ)

September 17: Members of both Young Women Network for Peace Building

and Christian Care at the Alexandra Park L. Ron Hubbard House

Guided tours of the Alexandra Park L Ron Hubbard House at 31 John Plagis Avenue are surely a worthwhile experience, like a visit to any historical place.

So far, the House has every week been receiving groups of guests from different organizations such as Interreligious Association for Peace and Development Zimbabwe (IAPDZ), Zimbabwe Young Women’s Network for Peace Building and Christian Care. The positive feedback shows how great the legacy of L. Ron Hubbard is.

Director of the Alexandra Park L Ron Hubbard House, Ms. Asthra Maximov, shared the following comments from guests:

F. KABAYA, AFFILIATE OF IAPDZ: I was impressed by L. Ron Hubbard’s researches and engagement with the Rhodesian government. The newly revived landmark portrays an educative picture of a great explorer. I really liked the way L. Ron Hubbard’s works were explained to me by the friendly staff at the landmark. I am so glad to know that the monumental landmark epitomizes a life of a great social personality and anti-racism figure. I am made to understand that the present-day Zimbabwean’s constitution has birthed from the works of Mr. L. Ron Hubbard. Some of the writings by him prove that he was calling for human emancipation. I would like to invite my colleagues to tour the L. Ron Hubbard site for a better understanding of Zimbabwean’s history. I would like to seek opportunity for future arrangements for return to the landmark for continuous exposure and learning.

C. GONZO, AFFILIATE OF IAPDZ: I really learnt a lot coming here today.

L. Ron Hubbard was a very good person. He liked everyone and taught them many things. I really enjoyed being here today and I would like to thank the staff for their warm welcome. I definitely want to bring more people for tours of the house.

N. BABITONI, AFFILIATE OF IAPDZ: Mr. Hubbard was a most talented man and had faith in everything he did. He was the best man ever and showed unconditional love to each and every person. I would like to bring many people in my community for a tour, so they too can see how brave and how caring Mr. Hubbard was.

M. BASHONI, ACCOUNTANT, ZIMBABWE YOUNG WOMEN’S NETWORK FOR PEACE BUILDING: L. Ron Hubbard was an explorer and researcher who managed to have his dream fulfilled. He was a very kind-hearted man. He had his life organized like a hero in a movie. He managed to use his knowledge, power and passion to direct his life, which was shown as we were touring the landmark site. I am very interested to know more about the research he did on the effects of drugs on the mind and body. I am thrilled with the organization of L. Ron Hubbard. He created a legacy and I have learnt a lot about his passion and dreams coming true.

P.T. MUCHABAIWA, ZIMBABWE YOUNG WOMEN’S NETWORK FOR PEACE BUILDING: L. Ron Hubbard loved people and had the vision of creating a balance with the racial situation in 1966. Even his workers were taken care of by him very well. I loved learning about his love for empowerment and his fight against drug abuse. I am very interested in the drug program available from the Church of Scientology.

O. MADARA, HEAD OF PROGRAMS, CHRISTIAN CARE: L. Ron Hubbard was a peaceful and living personality. If all people lived like him, the world would experience great peace. I liked the stories shared by his workers about him and how well they were treated. I was struck by the idea of freedom that was embedded in the philosophy of L. Ron Hubbard. I am also interested in learning more about Scientology.

T. MUNAKI, FINANCE AND ACCOUNTING CONTROLLER, CHRISTIAN CARE: L. Ron Hubbard was someone who was ahead of his time in the emancipation of the Zimbabwean people. He did a lot over a small period of time (in just 4 months!). I am interested to read more on his works in Scientology. The tour was well informative and brings out more interest to learn Scientology.

WRITER ERICAH GWETAI RELEASES NEW BOOK

Well-known Bulawayo-based writer Ericah Gwetai has published her 8^th book Living Memories (2025) which has a front cover embellished with a 1973 photograph of the beautiful young author. Though beauty may be gone, becoming a memory, it still remains in her heart unfettered by age.

Gwetai’s authorship has proved she is invincible; a spirit even inherited by and reflected in her daughter the late great writer Yvonne Vera who in her short life made unforgettable international impact.

Living Memories is a short story collection aptly described by Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter, as ‘a journey through the memories of an author who has seen and done it all’. To read the complete interview, click here.

Gwetai was at the Intwasa Arts Festival koBulawayo on Saturday, September 27, 2025, enjoying the Intwasa Book Day with others. The four-day festival which ran from September 24 celebrated a variety of art forms like music, dance, spoken word, film, literature and theatre.

Images below were taken on the last day, the Intwasa Book Day.

Wales-based award-winning writer, publisher and poet Samantha Rumbidzai Vazhure (L) and Ericah Gwetai (R)

Karolina Jappson from Sweden (centre) shares good time with Gwetai (right) and another guest

The writer

“MVUU” TEACHES CHILDREN ABOUT NATURAL WORLD

Nenyasha Kumire and Brian Phiri, members of the WIN Children’s Reading Club, enjoying the story ‘Mvuu’

Mvuu (Essential Books Publishing Co, 2025), a Shona children’s story by Chengetai Nyagumbo aka Dr Amai is only six pages only, with just two characters, young brothers who one day during their fishing adventure in the river notice an animal that dips its head in and out of the water. What kind of an animal could this be? The argument that ensures between them is the backbone of this little exciting tale.

A copy of Mvuu rests in the shelves of the WIN Community Library, an initiative that currently runs the vibrant Children’s Reading Club. Mvuu was most read soon as the club members were introduced to it.

With this new little book, they would take a few minutes to finish reading and re-read.

Beaven, the club’s friend who plays with the kids, said he would watch the children read the story, with some difficult here and there of course, and then each one of them would excitedly wait to re-tell the story to others who are yet to read.

The little book psychologically lures children with its few pages and helpful illustrations. Children, especially the slow readers, want a story they can follow and finish before they forget how the action began.

However, the smallness of the font scared some away. Be that as it may, Mvuu has its own way of challenging children to think about the world of animals around them.

EBWA GREAT GET-TOGETHER BOOK LAUNCH ON THE CARDS

Author and poet Edwin Msipa (left) has a new book titled ‘When The Rain Cries’. He’s seen here with his publisher Aleck Kaposa (holding the book)

Keeping track of new book titles that issue from Essential Book Publishing Company is hard if you haven’t got a notebook! Versatile and prolific are fitting descriptions of this Norton-based publishing house which is led by the multi-talented writer Aleck Kaposa.

Through Kaposa’s company, new voices have found a low-cost method of publishing their thoughts and experiences in a variety of forms.

In its shared updates, the company says all new books published this year will be showcased at the 2025 Great Get-Together Book Launch set for November 28 at the Batanai Mall, Harare.

Like the previous end-of-year get-togethers, this 4^th edition is expected to close the year for EBWA in style, with readings, spoken word, book exchanges and many more activities.

Not only does EBWA run the annual get-together, it also conducts a children’s programme they call The Creative Kids At Essential Workshop which targets the 9-16 years age group.

The 2025 workshop is scheduled for December. Here children will benefit foundational knowledge about creative writing and an opportunity to participate in writing and art contests.

YOU ARE INVITED!

SUPERCLASSIC ECHOES: POEMS AND STORIES

(This space will feature the best of poems and stories from the WIN Superclassic Whatsapp group)

Mushandirapamwe

Na Oscar Gwiriri

Kurima unorima zvinodadisa,

Zvisina unarimandarimawo.

Uri hurudza, maisiri wemakoko,

Asi kunhimbe dzevamwe hauuyi.

Ukaona mombe mumunda weumwe,

Unongopfuura wakatarira zvako divi,

Uchiita seune divisi rinokudzivisa.

Kugara hunzwana nekuonerana,

Usaite sevanyori vanofarira kunyora,

Ivo vasingaravi zvanyorwa nevamwe.

Ukakohwa uchada kutengesera ani?

Freedom

By Beaven Tapureta

looked through my dusty window

beyond the shivering mango tree-tops

and there,

a bird

free in the sky

its flying, a gracious dance

a heart in rags fell into a trance

of freedom the world dislikes

Celebrity

By Beaven Tapureta

i was

a celebrated stock for their festival of laughter

a darling yet an unwanted guest

i became

baboon goo to 'em

till you, friend

found me love and not only love but LOVE

whispered 'I am star that glows forever'

and Forever and ever ….

Moyo

NaObvious, T. Dziwanyika aka Chomubako_

Ndiweka Enjure!

Yazvose, kari.

Chirwerera dzose, hari!

Dzako hapwa,

Matura namatura.

Dzavamwe,

Ari madzvapata!

Musi wakunoti tonhoo!

Unoswerera rubongomoro!

Nyangwe jekiseni!

Unobhadhara, "Ndibaiwe!"

Nhungamiri yoti enda.

Iweka, nyena!

Tinokura?

Asingatonhorwi ndiani, pandima?

Dzichiwira ndiro dzamadyo,

Dzose unoongorora.

Ukawana inenge dipikei,

Robopoto tugu!

"Mandionei?"

"Ndoda iyo!"

Ko, yove yaani, iyoyo,

Nhai Enjure?

Yetsinga ndima,

Iyo inoita umedze, ufeme,

Unotonyora, zvireruke.

Panorema ndepevamwe

Wemuhoro musi,

Zhinji mari ndeyako.

Yashomeka, rubopoto.

Unosva waita bhindauko,

Mumwe ashoterwe, youyako.

Chii newe nhai Enjure?

Zvose unoda mabvava.

Munyorododo weupenyu,

Unourwarira, wega.

Tsvaga yako wegazve, nharaunda.

Unoti ndiani asingaude munyorododo?

Mutoro, upenyu.

Dzidza kudawo vamwe.

Dzidza kutyirawo vamwe.

Dzidza kukudzawo vamwe.

Dzidza kurwadzirwawo vamwe,

Enjure!

Bhastet! (Mushika-Shika Stories) : Muchitemawo Huni, manzwa!

Na Edwin Msipa aka Black Mampara

Upenyu marara! Matanda masairirwa, unosiya nerakaorera... '

Akadaro James 'Bindura Jimmy' Chimombe.

Rimwe zuva randinoda kutondera ndi21 Chikumi 2022. Maive munguva yeLockdown tiri paKuwadzana. Musi uyu ndaisvitsa makore makumi mana nemasere(48 years).

Paive panhamo. Ndakange ndichitotsemura zvangu huni. Yedu yekubvisa mashati iyika? Mhasuru dzainge dzakabuda. Tsinga dzakati tare tare. Ziya richiti teu teu.

Ndakangonzwa izwi rechidzimai roti, 'Chimbopindai mumba Mukoma Mampara!’

Mese munongozivawo pachivanhu chedu ukadaidzirwa chikafu haungomhanya. Unombonyepera kunge usiri kuda iwe wakatinhwa nayo nzara.

Akazotuma kamwana, kaECD. Kakati, 'Dhedhi hanji kinda umpa!'

Ndakachimbidzopfeka shati ndichimhanyira mukamba kaye. Rufu rwaive padivi, panikisidhoo pepandakanga ndadanwa.

"E-eh, Mukoma, munonwa supu?'

Ndakati hungu.

Ndakaripigwa rese gapu resupu. Muto wacho waizipa samare. Chakatozonditadzisa kupedza supu kahunhu kemwana wake Mebho. Akange ongoti paduku paduku, 'Dhedhi!'

Amai Madhinda vepanikisidhoo vaivhiringazve. Padiki padiki, 'Mebho ndipowo munyu, Mebho mvura yangu yapera, ndipowo tu-u rita! Mebho dakuona tiivhii?

Ndakangodzokera kunotema huni parufu kuKuwadzana.

Muitewo muchitema huni, manzwa!

Siyana Neni Tombie

NaChengetai Nyagumbo aka Dr Amai

Ko ndini ndadiyiwo?

Ndakaedza kukutsiura,

Iwe hako ukati tana,

Kukuzvambura,

Rangu zita wakasvibisa

Ndakaedza kukuruma nzeve,

Zvevarume imbopfavira ngoma,

Waindijinyura nehushirikadzi hwangu,

Kudotiwo takabva neko kumhunga hakuna ipwa ,

Iwe ukati dzakasara dzichimera,

Ini shwee wangu muromo paye .

Ko nhasi katumbu kachiti tu-tu kumberi,

Guvhu twii mudenga,

Makadyeiko asikana.

Ko kuya kwamaienda kuchaendeka here?

Kwakaberekera ingweka?

Ko muchabata neyi rusvava irworwo?

Huri, seka zvako magumbo!

Siyana neni Tombie,

Zvazvadai wava mukadzi mukuru.

The Grinding Mill Coin: Part One

By Vine Ziwane

"Hupfu hwapera, mangwana moenda kuchigayo kwaMunaka,” said mother in a low voice as we sat around the fire, eating our supper of sadza nemadhumbudla. Her voice was calm, but the meaning was heavy. Tomorrow, my brother Zvichanaka and I would carry a heavy bucket of maize each, walking ten kilometers to Munaka’s grinding mill, I thought to myself.

At the first crack of dawn, before the sun could yawn over the horizon, we were up. Mother, ever careful, tied the precious two-dollar pangolin coin into a small cloth and pressed it into Mukoma Zvicha’s hand. "Chenjera kurasa mari iyi," she warned. That coin was our only ticket to turning grain into meal.

We set off, buckets balanced on our heads, the morning mist still clinging to the trees like a ghost. The road was long and hushed, broken only by the occasional birdcall or wailing and barking of the village umgodoyi. Every few minutes, Zvicha’s hand would dart into his pocket, his fingers checking for the reassuring lump of the cloth bundle.

By mid-morning, sweat gleamed on our brows and our feet ached, but we had arrived. Munaka’s mill was already buzzing, a hive of noise and dust. A line of sacks stretched down the path like a sleepy serpent, unmoving and endless. We were number 75.

We dropped our buckets in the line and ran off to play with the other children, our laughter a brief escape under the baking sun as we waited for our turn.

Then, finally, at half-past two in the afternoon, our number was called. We rushed to our sacks, eager and exhausted, ready to go home.

“Mukoma Zvicha, mambotarisa mari here?” I asked. He reached into his pocket. His smile vanished. He patted his shorts, then frantically searched every seam, his hands moving faster and faster, until he froze. The color drained from his face. The coin was gone.

NATIONAL ARTS MERIT AWARDS CALL FOR SUBMISSIONS