The Sunday News
Joel Tsvakwi, Sunday Life Correspondent
ZIMBABWE Prison and Correctional Service (ZPCS) officer Taremeredzwa Kwangari is of the opinion that there are so many little ways to enlarge one’s world but the love of books remains the best of them all.
The determined multi-talented youthful officer who is advocating for the restoration of the dying reading culture among youths penned a debut comic Shona novel called Pundutso which literally means success.
Kwangari who is also an up-and-coming hip-hop artiste made the remarks during the launch of his debut book at the Bulawayo Public Library recently where scores of people including pupils attended.
He launched his book which took him an unbelievable 13-year period with the assistance of youthful motivational writer Marshall Chiza who was also guest of honour at the launch.
In an interview with Sunday Life, Kwangwari aka Tare said the book was penned from real life experiences.
“It is a rich story based on real life experiences packed into a comic book addressing contemporary issues. Poverty inspired me a lot, I would want to thank my mother who sent me to school through her savings which she made from selling vegetables after the death of my father when I was three months old,” he said adding: “I hope Pundutso will change the mindset especially of those kids who think there is no starting point in life.”
On the launch 29 copies were grabbed and the highest bid was $30, followed by $25 and several other copies were bought at $10 against a price tag of five dollars.
Speaking to the crowd Chiza who left the audience crying for more of his comics saluted Kwangwari.
“Give Tare a pen and he will produce Pundutso for you. Success is hidden in the small activities we do everyday. I just wanted to congratulate my colleague. Imagine if he was not interested. Imagine maybe right now he might have been sleeping at home but am glad he decided to come out of his comfort zone and be a wordsmith,” he said.
The book tells of a success story despite a skewed background, a case of Nhamo the main character whose difficult and painful childhood experiences did nothing to deter him from becoming a successful businessman.
Starting off as a bird hunter and selling them for tuition fees and through determination he finally emerged a successful entrepreneur.
Notables at the launch were ZPCS Bulawayo Metropolitan Province deputy officer commanding Assistant Commissioner Lambert Jana, representatives from Zimsec and scores of other authors and artistes.
@joelTsvakwi
