The Sunday News
Sunday Life Reporter
AN IsiNdebele novel, titled Umdlavuza Wenhlalakahle, written by Abalobi Besintwini and edited by Zibusiso Mabonisa was launched last Thursday during the Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo.
The book refers to the Cancer of Human’s well-being, and tells stories patterning to Gender-based Violence (GBV) during Covid-19 and it’s lockdown period.
The contributing authors are a blend of male and female authors who have adroitly illustrated the various types of abuses within the society at large, be it couples or in families, be it men or women.
“The narrations show that not only women are affected by GBV but men find themselves as victims as well. The book provides a solution of tackling such situations, some are cultural solutions where families sit down to resolve such issues while there are modern ways where there can be involvement of police and the correctional services. The book looks to teach and reprimand all on the dangers of GBV and its impact to our day to day lives, as the writers have not forgotten to showcase the impact of GBV on the children as well,” said one of the authors.
Festival director, Raisedon Baya said the festival was keen to keep the literary sector alive.
“In its small way Intwasa Arts Festival KoBulawayo has been trying to keep the literary sector alive by publishing a few anthologies, running the Intwasa Short Story Competition and hosting book launches during the festival.”
The festival ran from 21-25 September. The festival was a hybrid of virtual and face-to-face programmes.
