A MAKOKOBA-BASED author in Bulawayo, Welshman Dube, has penned a 140-page novel titled, Aziwelanga Phansi, which tackles many issues.
The novel, published on September 27 in IsiNdebele, is written in prose form and tackles contemporary issues in the society.
Speaking to NewsDay Life & Style, Dube said the book follows the life of Nkosini Mafu, a young boy who has to manoeuvre in-between tough situations while growing up in the villages.
“The book is set in the villages and follows the life of Nkosini Mafu who faces challenges of losing his father at a young age, dealing with family feuds and having to focus on his education,” Dube said.
“When I wrote the book, the intention was to teach people, especially those who grew up in the rural areas, that they should not be discouraged when it comes to improving themselves. Growing up in the village is not a hindrance to a person’s success.”
He indicated that the book brings out the theme of feuds in families, where the bond in Mafu’s family breaks and the family members start fighting one another following the death of his father.
The book also tackles the dangers of drug and substance abuse.
Dube said Aziwelanga Phansi is his first book and it took him a year to finish writing it.
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“The most challenging part was coming up with storylines and events. Sometimes I failed to come up with anything and on other times, it was better. I am grateful to Zibusiso Mabonisa, Kephas Sibanda and Slie Ndethi who played a huge part in my book coming to life,” he said.
“As someone who also grew up in the village, I would like to encourage someone out there not to be discouraged with where they grew up.
“Asking for help in the right places helps a lot when you want to educate yourself. Some of the themes in the book relates to what I have experienced in life.”
Dube said the mindset that writers are people who went to university only is wrong, adding anyone can be a writer.
