The fragrance of new books permeated the air inside the Giyani Multipurpose Hall during the launch of two Xitsonga books, Ntsena Loko Mpfula A Yo Sewula and Mpimavayeni a fortnight ago.

Ntsena Loko Mpfula A Yo Sewula is a poetry anthology, which features poems by 10 poets. It can be translated as ‘Only if it Could Rain’. It was edited by Moses Mtileni.

Mpimavayeni is a novel, authored by Mtileni. Both books are published by Nhlalala Books, a publishing initiative that aims to publish books that tell interesting and ignored stories to bolster the reading level in African languages.

Speaking about the compilation of Ntsena Loko Mpfula A Yo Sewula, Mtileni says that the poets are young writers who crossed his path at different times in the past five years. “They are writers who presented to me complete manuscripts they had attempted to have published before (in full or in part) and whose works I fell in love with,” he reveals. “They write differently, from much of what existed in later Xitsonga poetry and from each other, in concern and in style, and I felt they needed to be heard.”

Poets featured in the anthology are Basani Petronella Mathye, Hitekani Ian Ndlozi, Thymon Rivisi, Mkhongelo Prayers Chabalala, Onassis Mathebula, Enock Dlayani Shishenge, Shikhumbuza Shadrack Vutlharimuni Mavasa, Khanyisa Vista Chauke, Nzama Noel Mathebula and Moses Nzama Khaizen Mtileni.
Mtileni says there is hope because young people have chosen to write, and to do so in their own language. “It is said that the levels of reading in African languages are very low,” he says. “As a result, much of what is published is aimed at the educational market and not at general readership. The material published, both in language and fiction, is tailored to meet the requirements outlined in the guidelines issued by the Department of Basic Education in terms of design, content and packaging.”
Proud poet Basani Mathye says: “I’m honoured to be featured in Ntsena Loko Mpfula A Yo Sewula. I was excited to be part of a group of young writers who are passionate about writing and preserving our mother tongue. We need to make reading fashionable, and especially books in our own languages.”

She sees a brighter future for her as a writer. “I am looking into writing Xitsonga children’s books and am also working on a book about my family history. I hope to publish a collection of my poetry as well in the future.”

At the end of the day, all the people who attended the launch were offered copies of both Ntsena Loko Mpfula A Yo Sewula and Mpimavayeni, at the expense of the publisher.

The launch has opened the door for more books to be written and published, and for more literary activities to happen in and around Limpopo.