The Sunday News
Bruce Ndlovu, Sunday Life Reporter
CITY literary giants have welcomed the establishment of Ubuntu-Afro Publishers, a local publishing house that is meant to become a translation hub for multiple local and international languages.
Established by author King KG, the stable boasts Philani A Nyoni (PAN) and Naison Tfwala as chief editors, with its main mandate being to promote mostly young publishers while revitalising indigenous knowledge through literary art. Poet, Desire Moyoxide was full of praise for the initiative.
“It is a great pleasure in a time where most of us are seemingly shunning away from our indigenous languages.
Ubuntu Afro-Publishers is indeed an answer to what many of us have been dreaming of. I appreciate the fact that they are encouraging and advocating for the marginalised languages and also hailing the spirit of Ubuntu. Speaking truth is my ‘tototo’, I am always drunk with soberness. I’ll be happy to publish my first anthology with them,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by poet Albert Nyathi, who said the preservation of language was a worthy cause to fight for.
“I am very happy and proud that these youngsters have come up with this thought. I think it has come at the right time. Every language is a source of pride and it brings the spirit of diversification which is healthy in a diverse country. I love the idea,” he said.
Writer and poet Philani A. Nyoni also gave the founders of Ubuntu-Afro Publishers credit for attempting to give life to local languages.
“The arts sector is in dire need of all forms of energy; the responsibility is ours all from government to citizens. Not least in need is Literature, particularly our local languages. Unless a deliberate effort is made to develop and empower them, we face the very real possibility of dying out as African people for in language there is history and history is learning albeit often painfully. I believe Ubuntu-Afro Publishers is one way to go about adding life to them.
Let’s give more to our mother tongues, give ourselves and children more to read. A god who is not worshipped dies, so does a language that is not spoken, written, developed to respond to the needs of a time. When a language dies or ails its people follow. Though acting out of obligation, to the original self, I also find honour and pleasure in participating in this renaissance,” he said.
Naison Tfwala said the founding of a new publishing house by the young literary enthusiasts, represented an exciting change of guard.
“In as much as the new generation will appreciate the initial baton stick hangover, the arrangement works both ways.
The old school in the process, taps into the thinking of the newer generation. It seeks to benefit all mutually,” he said.
