GILBERT MODISE REMEMBERED WITH PANACHE

Poet Gilbert Ngwaneso Modise was post-humously honoured in Bloemfontein at the weekend at the National Afrikaans Literary Museum and Research Centre (Dingolweng Tsa Sesotho Museum) at Charlotte Maxeke Street. The objective of the event was to also honour Modise as a poet, imbongi and sangoma, according to Mpikeleni Duma, veteran journalist, political activist and essayist. "To my mind a sangoma and a poet are very close in category, both using the power of the imagination and the inner eye, and both listening with the inner ear, and both of them giving messages to the people," said Mpikeleni in honour to Gilbert Modise. Charmaine Mrwebi, from the Bloemfontein Public Library and one of the organizers of the event conferred a certificate from the Words of Ink Writers Club of Bloemfontein to the family of Modise at the function in his honour. Also, messages of support from all over the world were read, including one from the people’s poet, Mzwakhe Mbuli. Mbuli’s message read: "The year 2012 marks 100 years of our struggle for liberation against tyranny. As the country celebrates the Centenary, the name of a creative cadre Gilbert Modise comes to mind. We pay tribute and salute selfless contribution of this son of the soil who fearlessly used his talent against the apartheid monster. We shall always remember brave martyrs like him who could not be silenced in the face of injustice. Long live the poetic spirit of Comrade Gilbert. Longlive!" Also present was Tshediso Maseloane from the Arts and Culture Department; Kgang Abel Motheane, the prolific writer, Serame “Icebound” Makhele, the well known rapper artist.

Poet Flaxman Qoopane, who was a friend and close associate of Gilbert Modise, took the audience on a journey about the life of the deceased. Qoopane, who runs an art gallery in Mangaung township, revealed the story of Gilbert to the audience as he displayed photos of his friends when they were both overseas and in South Africa. He collaborated by reading a poem with fellow poet, Jah Rose in honour of Gilbert Modise. Qoopane said he was disappointed that the Performing Arts Centre of Free State is allegedly ignoring the works of Gilbert Modise. Kedinamotse, Gilbert Modise’s elder said her family was happy that her brother was honoured. She said: "It is important that the arts fraternity in the province must honour my brother including other veteran poets who have been before him on the scene. We are honoured as a family and his children that our son is not forgotten." Kedinamotse also introduced the daughter of Modise, Jerusalema. Modise's daughter broke down because of her happiness as her father was honoured. Songbird and vocalist, Mantele Moye in her Difela (Hymn) Ha le mpotsa tshepo ya ka, led to tears flowing from the family of Modise as she remembered the poet. Moye used to sing at the church of Modise at Rocklands. The occasion was characterized with the rendition of poems: Poet Magic Raselebeli Khotseng, Hector Kunene, Mojalefa. Veteran Comedian, Mesuli Dlangamandla had the audience in stitches. The family of the great writer, Ntate Moiloa attended the function to support Gilbert Modise including actors who worked with him for years. Modise was born in 1964 in Batho Location, Bloemfontein, Free State. He obtained his secondary education at Sehunelo High School in Bloemfontein and thereafter educated himself further by reading widely and imaginatively. He went on to become one of the most celebrated black cultural worker in the Free State - an author, poet, general innovator, musician, playwright and literary activist. He also published novels in Setswana.

OMOSEYE BOLAJI DOCUMENTARY: 'Home away from home'

I suppose relatively few film documentaries are made focusing on black African writers. I have over the years enjoyed such rare documentaries made on African writers like Es'kia Mphahlele, Wole Soyinka, and Ola Rotimi. But such films are still thin on the ground, and it is a tragedy, for example, that top writers (now deceased) like Dambudzo Marechera, Chris Okigbo, Ingrid Jonker are not recorded on visual tape. Thus, this documentary is one to applaud and relish. It focuses on the versatile writer, Omoseye Bolaji (pictured above), and the impact he has made on literature including at grassroots level. Respected African writers like Pule Lechesa, Flaxman Qoopane, Hector Kunene pay tribute to Bolaji in this documentary. We see images of Bolaji, his published books, some of his major awards, here. Also, Bolaji himself talks about life as a writer, his influences, inspiration, motivation, etc. This is an illuminating, well produced documentary. The director, editor, and producer is Winnie Mokhomo (below)

The Executive producer of the documentary is Dr Melanie Chait. - Paul Lothane

Mbali Literary Awards, Clocolan

Literary protagonists who graced the inaugural Mbali Awards were united in their advice in respect of Free State literacy and literature – complacency is a bugbear! This was obvious at the event that took place in Clocolan. Pule Lechesa, the internationally renowned critic said: “FS writing can not afford to rest on its laurels. We still have a long way to go; we must guard against complacency which is a very dangerous thing; with the eloquent, futile shrug of the shoulder that does not bode well eventually,” Lechesa was one of the formal speakers at the Awards, which was graced by arts and culture practitioners. Speakers also pointed out that it was important there should be regular encouragement and boosts for writers in particular. “Fine Black writers are relatively few and far between in black Africa,” Peter Moroe said. “But this is no excuse for them not to be encouraged. Hence the pivotal importance of such award nites,”

Peter Moroe, widely recognised for editing the literary series, The growth of FS Black writing over the years, added: “We have to try much harder to build a society of readers. Our people are just not reading, and the few who do, read absolutely the wrong things. Hence knowledge of literature in particular is plummeting yearly,” Raphael Mokoena, polished critic and essayist, also bemoaned the prevailing situation. “The ignorance on literature is so shocking these days,” he said. “When educated black people are not familiar with the works of SA writers like Es’kia, Lewis Nkosi, Gomolemo Mokae, Siphiwo Mahala etc one, is enveloped in despair” He added: “Occasions like this show that there is some hope on the horizon. I have been impressed with the Citations on the Mbali awardees which display knowledge of literature and eclectic trends…One hopes that soon the likes of Flaxman Qoopane will be honoured for what they have done for the world of letters,”

- R Khotseng

ES'KIA MPHAHLELE'S DOWN SECOND AVENUE

The author of this great work, Pa Es’kia Mphahlele breathed his last after a long fruitful life (he was almost 90 when he departed this world) Mphahlele was celebrated as one of the greatest writers Africa has ever produced. Over the decades he was an academic, journalist, editor and international professor. As early as 1959 he published his classic, Down Second Avenue which made the literary world to drool.

Down Second Avenue details the early years of the author’s life how he incredibly made good for himself despite coming from a background of great poverty. We learn all the hard things that happened to him and his family when he was very young but how he decided to be different. It was his love for the written word – for reading and writing – that came to the author’s rescue. From a very early age he relished reading books and in fact went through virtually all the books in his local library easily. He began to explain things to his friends and contemporaries; things he had learnt from books and the early cinema in those days. We see the strength of women in those days of apartheid – the strength of mothers, foster mothers, aunts, etc who despite grinding poverty were always ready to help one way or the other. The young Es’kia did well at school, became a teacher, and later a celebrated journalist and editor at Drum. For a man of his great intelligence and awareness, apartheid era was completely unacceptable, so Es’kia decided to go abroad, to west Africa which was of course then much freer than South Africa. Here he began to blossom as a great creative writer and critic… - KA Motheane (Bookshelf Column)

MEET SEISO MPETE "DR COOL"...

Recently, the much anticipated Macufe poetree took place at PACOFS Ofm Downstage. Among the 20 poets who where featured that evening there were likes of Napo Mashiane, Lesego Rampolokeng, Ice Bound, Jah-Rose, Hector Kunene, Afurakan Mohare. Also strutting his stuff was the poet who many say was on fire that evening and he mesmerized that stage with the unforgettable perfomance. Who can it be none other than Seiso 'Dr. Cool' Mpete, a poet from Bloemfontein who never disappoints with his performances anywhere in the country.

This is what he had to say about the Macufe poetree night: “Thanks to Macufe and Jah-Rose productions for giving us SA poets a night to always remember.” When we asked him of how does he manage to keep his performances accelerating positively he said “I once told myself that I'll forever stay hungry, as much as I'm honored for my achievements and my fans.. every time when I perform, I perform like a beginner who is doing his best to be recognized because all what God was to give me a Talent and now it's up to me if I'm gonna keep it alive or let it die.” “My highlights of that night would be Napo Masheane performance, and my friend's performance Lesego Rampolokeng, Marvelous performances if I may say.” as he continued “I will like to thank all our fans and supporters who came across the Country to support us, we are who we arebecause of your support. "To my fellow Artists... I cote myself hahahaha... If you want to stay the best in what you do 'NEVER ALLOW YOUR ACHIEVEMENTS TO LEGENDERELIZE YOUR MIND OR IT WILL ALL BE OVER.' close cote hahahah...” Congratulations to Jah-Rose productions and Big ups to the Doctor of words Dr. Cool!!!!!

Mayibongwe Mpanda's UKUKHANYA

Book: Ukukhanya By Mayibongwe Mpanda Because of the high standards of literary trends in the Free state we tend to intimidate would-be writers a-times - this despite the fact relatively very few books are published by black writers. Yet we must remember that not all books are published for literary acclamation or purposes. The writer just has something to say - this includes books with spiritual or motivational purpose. Ukukhanya is such a work. The author is Mayibongwe Mpanda and this book strives to improve us spiritually... Ukukhanya (light) contains a variety and diverse kinds of poems and there are some real questions posed prompting the reader to logic thinking. There are poems covering various topics like faith, social affairs, family affairs, economic affairs, political affairs etc. A work written to foster widespread improvement! “Once light has appeared the life of a person can no longer be the same. Where there is light, there is life, and darkness flees! The light shines and provides light to those in the dark...” Poems here include humbleness, youth, talent, ubuntu, reconciliation, Holy spirit, women’s Day, South Africa, rainbow nation, water of life, wisdom, bread of life, no to crime, complacency; among others. By the way, I was delighted that this column was shortlisted for the prestigious Mbali Awards. It is reassuring that some pundits appreciate what we try to do here in this column. - K.A Motheane

LESELI MOKHELE AND HIS SHORT STORIES

Leseli Mokhele is one of the outstanding short story writers in Southern Africa; he hails from Lesotho, and made his debut as a very good writer of fiction with the book, Home grown short stories. The reader is struck with two things soon after being introduced to Mokhele’s work: his wide diction, and also his fertile imagination. The underworld, the sleazy, different types of women; desperate men – these are some of the themes in his short stories.

Then there is also the violence. A lot of this seems to go too far and a streak of sadism might well run through his work. The sweetness and dangers that go with women are well highlighted, including heartbreak and Aids. The stories are more in the line of the hard school of overseas thrillers. But the beauty is that the background is very much the black world of the locations, and the like. That Mokhele is well read can be seen from his references to literature and literary giants in his fiction. Like Marechera, he pays tribute to his favourite writers directly and indirectly and spreads some enlightenment in the process. Mokhele has published another book titled The Charismatic charlatan. It is also a collection of short stories; and the good news is that this book is available in many of the Free State libraries. Lovers of African fiction will do well to read Mokhele’s work. K.A Motheane

Book: OMOSEYE BOLAJI: A voyage around his literary work

Book: Omoseye Bolaji: A voyage around his literary work (2012) Author: Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga

This new book is the latest in line of books dedicated to examining the works of Omoseye Bolaji, a rather prolific writer. Here I am not attempting to review the new work (maybe I might do so later); rather the publication of this new book made me cast my mind back on such books published over the years. The late Pule Lebuso published the early work, Omoseye Bolaji: his writings/his role as a catalyst for FS Writing (2001). Strangely enough, despite the passage of time, this book still has the best analysis of Tebogo’s spot of bother, which was Bolaji’s second adventure of Tebogo Mokoena the sleuth. Then came Flaxman Qoopane’s study titled: Omoseye Bolaji: perspectives on his literary work (2003). Qoopane was later (in 2008) to publish another book on Bolaji dubbed: THE CREST: Omoseye Bolaji honoured in Nigeria.

It was refreshing to see Charmaine Kolwane, a young black woman, putting a book together on Bolaji (in 2005). The book, titled Omoseye Bolaji: channelling one’s thoughts onto paper, was a success. Just a year later (2006), Petro Schonfeld published Tebogo on the prowl, a study of Omoseye Bolaji’s sleuth Tebogo Mokoena. The book drew many positive reviews at the time. Pule Lechesa also published the book, Omoseye Bolaji: on awards, authors, literature (2007) which focused more on Bolaji himself, as he talked about his life and works. 2009 saw the publication of Julia Mooi’s, Omoseye Bolaji: further perspectives. Hector Kunene weighed in with a lovely book simply titled OMOSEYE BOLAJI in 2010. It was (still is) a substantial work containing many different articles published on Bolaji’s work over the years. To his credit, Hector included, in particular, a superb interview near the end of the work.

And now comes this new work by Ishmael Soqaga which also considers Bolaji’s literary ouvre. This is a feather in the cap for both the author (Soqaga) and the subject, Omoseye Bolaji. - Paul Lothane

INTRODUCING MENAN DU PLESSIS

Menan Du Plessis was born in Cape Town in 1952, studied linguistics at the University of Cape Town before lecturing at the same university. She began writing poetry in the 1970s, which were published in the journal Quarry. She married Professor Renfrew L. Christie, Dean of Research at the University of the Western Cape. They have two daughters, and were guardian to an orphaned son Cornelius Graafland, from 20 September 1989 to 3 January 1994, when he turned twenty-one. Her two novels, Longlive! and A State of Fear, were well received within liberal circles as it deals with political tension in the mid-1980s South Africa. She was a member of the United Democratic Front (UDF), an organisation opposed to the national government of the time and allied to the ANC, and also wrote for their magazine, Upfront, to which she contributed articles as well. She believes South African writing can offer what European writing cannot: “Reading contemporary British writers, for me they are technically very good, but bland – South Africa offers a richness”. Sources Steyn, Pierre. 1986. Stop flinging false accusations. Frontline, 6(4), August. Aarons, Michelle. 1989. Private Anguish amid the Teargas. Weekly Mail 5(25), 30 June. Dederick, Jane. 1989. ‘Longlive!’ a Response to ‘85’s political turmoil in SA. The Cape Times, 7 July. Munnik, Victor. 1989. Menswees in die Revolusie. Vrye Weekblad, 13 October. Holtzhausen, Evelyn. 1989. Dull Characters in Search of a Plot. The Cape Times, 12 August. P.A.S. 1989. Portraits of a Familiar Scene. Daily Dispatch. 5 August. Ngcobo, Lauretta. 1988. Review: Apartheid South Africa: Through Women's Eyes. Third World Quarterly, Vol. 10, No. 1, Succession in the South, (Jan.), pp. 299- 306 North, James. 1987. Unfolding Horror. New York Times, November 8 Political Editorial Staff. 1992. Polisie, IVP takel Amnestie oor verslag, aanklag. Die Burger, 10 June. 1986. Menan skenk Sanlam-Prys aan UDF blad. Beeld 30 June. 1992. Focus on Menan du Plessis. The New Nation, 15 October. - Senekal, B.A.

Christine Mautjana writes on African women's writing

It is rather exciting that many young South African Black women interested in arts and culture now regard me as something of a role model after I published my first book – which is actually a series of interviews with writers. Many are putting me on a pedestal, which I do not deserve. The truth is I am just like everybody else – largely ignorant, but willing to learn. I must confess that I used to be very intimidated too as regards literature in particular until I mixed with academics, even professors, and discovered that even they were very ignorant in certain spheres. How much more myself? As a woman the scope and breadth of literature, in Africa specifically is breathtaking. I am happy to have contributed my small quota in this wise but it is just a humble beginning. The first obstacle is that I am quite young and I have to do my research about the literary past but even this can only be tentative. Also, should one focus on South Africa alone (narrow-minded, really) or Africa? I prefer our continent when it comes to our writers. But let us start with female writers. Perhaps black female writers. As a South African woman I know now that our icons include illustrious names like Miriam Tlali, Lauretta Ngcobo, Sindiwe Magona. I have tried to at least read samples of their work. Mama Ngcobo is very polished and suave; Magona strikes me as a woman who has performed miracles – somehow overcoming great poverty during apartheid (including three young kids) to travel overseas and become one of our great writers. Read her early works and how she struggled to feed her kids and you burst into tears; not to talk of the lot of “domestics” over the years… Then there are other great black African female writers, including those living overseas. From neighbouring Zimabawe the late Yvonne Vera, and Tsitsi Dangarembga have gone down in history. What about Buchi Emecheta and (the young) Helen Oyeyemi – both based in London – who are already part of English literary canon? As women there is also this impediment of feminism. Women these days are expected to be beating the drum of women’s rights and all that goes with it; but unfortunately this can be counter-productive. Feminism is a complex series of ideas that can be confusing. Let us not confuse this with a fringe male minority doing terrible things to women (eg rape) What do women want? True lasting love; or just exploiting men? This brings Nadine Gordimer to my mind, the first African (and South African woman) to win the Nobel Award for Literature. She has over the years been criticized for allegedly not supporting women’s rights or feminism which is absurd. Her literary achievements speak for themselves. It seems to me that the great lady is being attacked for nothing. What do women really want? Are we losing or gaining from this so-called feminism? I mean I am proud to be a black woman. In South Africa women continue to perform wonders, including very young and young women. We see how we work so hard to develop ourselves, take care of our loved ones. Yes there are some obstacles but should we exaggerate them? Can we in all honesty say that our sex counts against us? Are there not so many outstanding women doing great things in their field, including literature? Like Angela Makholwa a relatively new outstanding black female writer. In my book, there are many black Free State writers featured. They include Nthabiseng jah Rose Jafta who is now making waves (with two female poets) after putting together the book, Free State of mind. Three bright black young ladies. Can we accuse them of not grabbing opportunities open to them? No. - CHRISTINE MAUTJANA (Christine Mautjana is the editor of the book, Interviews with Effervescent Writers. Mbali Press. 2012. See image ABOVE)

Mfundo Ngcangca's debut work

This new book lifts the l;id on teeming tourism potential!!! "The tourism industry is one with many opportunities for entrepreneurs and the unemployed. It is well supported and encouraged in South Africa, but myself I decided to write a tell – all book about the pitfalls in the industry. Born and bred in Sterkspruit, today working for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. I felt the need to put pen to paper when I noticed a growing trend within tourism. People have turned to be selfish. Fewer are sharing the big cake which is tourism. This multi-faceted , money spinning industry continues to hold many in its thrall. But instead of the tourism becoming full of employment opportunities which could grow in multiple directions, I noticed companies working alone instead of together. Certain sectors do not want to share with others, now the industry becomes cruel and affect all of us. For example, people in the transportation or hospitality sector want to own everything without utilizing or outsourcing other emerging entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is important to the growth of the tourism industry at large." Read this book for more details!

Tiisetso M Thiba pens WHEN I LOOKED THROUGH THE WINDOW

(Performed during Writers Workshop at Mcgregor Museum in Kimberly 18 11 2011) The cascade of the water Running down to the window-pane The mist is over now And i can see vividly The night has packed Its stars and moons and is gone I have seen the yellow sun-rise going up When i looked through the window The birds were dancing to the symphony of the new day They are no longer scared now for monsters of the sinister The heart beat is normal now All intimidation has passed When i looked thru the window I have seen exquisite roses wet with the morning mist Stomach full of glee before the agony of the sun When i looked thru the window I have seen no changes But only time has changed! By Tiisetso M Thiba

RICHARD RIVE: Advance, Retreat

The late Richard Rive was a great writer from South Africa (“coloured”) whose life was eventually tinged with tragedy as he was murdered in his South African home over 20 years ago. This is a collection of short stories. They are of remarkable depth and well written. They show the author at his masterly best, imaginative with a host of fine characters. Stories in this collection are - Moon over district 6, Dagga smoker s dream, Rain, The bench, Resurrection, No room at Solitaire, Drive-in, Riva, The visits, Make like slaves, The man from the board, Advance, retreat. The stories here can be enjoyed by readers around the world. There are excellent pictures of Cape Town over the decades. The intensity and empathy is overpowering. There is frustration, angst, sorrow, and prejudice. There is also sophisticated irony The late Rive s other books included – The emergency, The emergency continued, Buckingham Palace District 6, African Songs, Olive Schreiner, Quartet, writing Black, Modern African prose: an anthology K. Motheane

BESSIE HEAD: The collector of treasures

South Africa’s Bessie Head - though she made her name in Botswana, is one of Africa's best known and respected female writers. The collector of treasures was her fourth book, published in 1977. This book draws on the oral tradition of Southern Africa, using the language and imagery of the story-telling tradition. The collection focuses on village people from Botswana and the status and position of women in Africa. The fine stories in this collection are - The deep river, Heaven is not closed, The village saint, Jacob, Life, Witchcraft, Looking for a rain god, Kgotla, The wind and a boy, Snapshots of a wedding, The special one, Hunting, and The collector of treasures In a famous review of this work overseas, The Tribune wrote inter alia: “Bessie Head s short stories have an extraordinary simplicity and breadth of vision, a tolerant acceptance of things as they are, which if applied by a European writer inside the structure of a European novel, would cause her to be hailed as a new humanist saint, a Tolstoy, a Gorki. “ In this work, there is plenty of empathy and sympathy for the people on the ground, especially the women. There is shocking violence and tragedy too - eg in Life, and in The collector of treasures. This remains a collection of brilliant stories. - K Motheane

The Way of All Flesh

It is both depressing and inevitable. Writers come and go, metaphorically, no matter how larger than life they might appear, no matter their longevity. Two random great writers serve to show this - Agatha Christie, and John Updike. They wrote for decades, made their mark, and despite going the way of all flesh, are still admired by millions. And this is the reassuring thing about writers and books - we can still read their work even after they have departed this world. Like William Shakespeare who died a hundred years ago. The Bronte sisters. Charles Dickens. Joseph Conrad, and many others. Yet we still feel depressed when these literary giants die during our lifetime. Such is the case here in South Africa too. Over the last few years it does seem as if too many of our fine writers have died. When the illustrious Es kia Mphahlele died a few years ago at almost 90 we knew he had made his mark as a true African literary giant, world respected. We should read and re-read his works, like Afrika, my music. Largely, this applies to writers like Mazisi Kunene, and Lewis Nkosi too who also went the way of all flesh quite recently. Mazisi was a genius with his African, Zulu poetry, and Lewis Nkosi was an all-round sophisticated wordsmith. The late Denis Brutus was a very sophisticated poet, too. An academic and intellectual. Many lovers of poetry will always remember him for - A troubador I traverse all my land. And what about Phaswane Mpe and Sello Duiker who also died a few years ago? Their cases are particularly poignant, as they died very young and had so much talent. Just like Emily Bronte, one might say. Then there are others like Sheila Roberts, Bree O’ Mara, Guy Willoughby. All excellent South African writers who also departed this world recently. We should do all we can to keep their literary legacy alive. - Casely Khumalo

Getting to grips with our literature

For we young ones who love literature, our passion is not as simple as we thought. There is so much to learn that it is frightening really. Writers clubs have been helping us. We knew English literature was boundless with hundreds of books overseas, but we did not know that even African and S.A literature is so wide and diverse. But I have learnt a lot in this wise, and will continue to do so. The experts say literature is a life-long pursuit and one should start with SA Black literature, with the pioneers. I now know about Sol Plaatje, Peter Abrahams, Es’kia Mphahlele. I even read Plaatje’s Mhudi! As regards recent S.A writing one has also been introduced to impressive writers like Lewis Nkosi, Gomolemo Mokae, Zakes Mda, Njabulo Ndebele, Duiker, Mzemane etc. I read Zakes Heart of Redness which I found quite elevated. But trying to read or understand Kgafela ao Mokgodi was even more difficult, great poet though he is. So I would rather play his C.D verses over and over again! Yet when one considers the contributions of our African women to literature our awe increases. For we young ones they are our grandmothers really. The women are among the world s best in writing. I have in mind world respected writers like Miriam Tlali, Sindiwe Magona, Zoe Wicomb, Laureta Ngcobo. Superb South African female writers. I read many parts of Magona’s Mother to mother - brilliant. - Jeffrey Tshabalala

INTERVIEWS WITH EFFERVESCENT WRITERS

Book: Interviews with effervescent writers (2012) Reading this book of interviews with writers made me realise the wide variety of writers and literature in South Africa, and Africa in general. We have to read very widely just to have an idea of the general picture. The editor of this work, Christine Mautjana, states as much in her brief introduction - this is as much a learning process for her, as the readers. Aryan Kaganof as usual shoots from the hip, and strongly calls upon each and every one of us to read. But I was a bit disappointed that he did not really answer a few of the questions, or did not do justice to them. His bibliography is staggering though. Pule Lechesa's interview is powerful and informative. Yes, he is a controversial personality, but his contributions to literature will continue to be appreciated. Bolaji’s interview is very informative too in this work. However I felt that the section was marred by too many unnecessary, rather inane questions. What has Bonny M, for one, got to do with literature? Teboho Letshaba, the young writer in Sesotho, is already among the best. This much can be ascertainned from this work. Hence it is a shame that few people are aware of what he has done for literature. Quite frankly I did not like the interview with Leboela Motopi in this book. There is something unsatisfactory, gushing, inadequate, not so earnest about it. Can we the readers really be sure about his integrity? Happily enough the interview with NMM Duman restores one faith in literature. Here is a remarkable woman who has done great things for African writing. Her interview shows her love with books, good books. She also shows a generosity of spirit, reluctant to criticise, but rather praise other writers. A nice, shrewd lady. - Paul Lothane

ZAKES MDA: Sometimes there is a Void

This is not really a review but a few tawdry reflections on this great work. I feel inadequate writing on such a great versatile artist, painter, musician, academic and general writer. This very powerful work - Sometimes there is a void - is an autobiography, shedding light on Zakes Mda's memorable journey in life and achievements - and problems with women in his life. One is almost moved to tears to read about how one woman in particular brought so much misery into his life - the bickerings, insults, lies, court cases...yet this woman was always ready to exploit and use him. Worst of all despite never supporting his writing career - it was the exact opposite in fact - she wanted the money he earned from his books. This is a sad situation many of we writers are faced with! Yet on his own admission the author has something of a weakness for women, though he says he admires beauty! An example is when he keeps on praising the physical beauty of a female literary agent of his. Also startling is the great man's admission in his autobiography that he never read Joseph Conrad s Heart of darkness! A classical work that we much younger writers have read many times. Really, to be honest one would expect an internationally renowned academic like Zakes to have read the book. But – sometimes there is a void... - Raphael Mokoena

Introducing Karen Press

Karen Press was born in Cape Town , South Africa . She has worked as a teacher of mathematics and English, with a range of progressive education projects, and has also written textbooks and other education materials in the fields of mathematics, science, economics and English, as well as children’s stories, a film script and stories for newly-literate adults. In 1987 she co-founded The Buchu Books Publishing Collective. She has published seven collections of poetry and her poems have been included in anthologies in South Africa , France , Austria , the UK and the USA . She currently works as a freelance editor and writer, and is an associate of the national advice service for South African writers, The Writers’ Network. Karen Press’s most recent anthology of poetry, The Little Museum of Working Life ( University of Kwazulu-Natal Press , 2004) will be launched at Poetry Africa 2004. Commenting on this latest work, Antjie Krog says: ’These poems present a haunting museum constructed in Karen Press’s delicate tone and vivid poetic intelligence.’ Her poetry has also appeared in the anthologies Siren Songs (ed. Nohra Moerat, BLAC, 1989), I Qabane Labantu (ed. Ampie Coetzee and Hein Willemse, Taurus, 1989), Breaking the Silence (ed. Cecily Lockett, Ad. Donker, 1991), Like a House on Fire (COSAW, 1994), The Heart in Exile (ed. Tromp and De Kock, Penguin, 1996), My African World (ed. Robin Malan, David Philip, 1996), Somewhere I Have Never Travelled (ed. Terrill Nicolay, Heinemann), The Lava of This Land (ed. Dennis Hirson, Triquarterly/Northwestern University Press, 1997), Running Towards Us: New Writing from South Africa (Heinemann USA, 2000) and It All Begins, (ed. Robert Berold, University of Natal Press, 2002); and in the magazines Staffrider, New Coin, Upstream, New Contrast, Stir, Botsotso, Slug, Boston Review, The Kalahari Review, Bleksem, Wasafiri, Poetry salvaged from Corey’s, New Letters, PN Review,West Coast Line and Illuminations. Select Bibliography This Winter Coming, Cinnamon Crocodile, 1986 Bird Heart Stoning the Sea, Buchu Books, 1990 History is the Dispossession of the Heart, Cinnamon Crocodile, 1992 The Coffee Shop Poems, Snailpress, 1993 Echo Location - a guide to Sea Point for residents and visitors, Gecko Books, 1998 Home, Carcanet, 2000 The Little Museum of Working Life, UKZN Press, 2004 (Courtesy of University of Kwazulu-Natal)

Aryan Kaganof's USELESSLY

All things are delivered unto me of my Father: and no man knoweth the Son, but the Father; neither knoweth any man the Father, save the Son. - Matthew 11:27 Often the subject of controversy, artist and visionary Aryan Kaganof has abundant energy and enthusiasm. He works constantly at interpreting creative processes and developing a new language of art. Kaganof defies categorisation, living creatively, devoting his skills to absorbing the world around him and transmuting what he touches into the unusual and revolutionary. Uselessly, Kaganof’s most recent novel and his first to be published by Jacana, takes the form of a collection of letters to God. As once might expect from a multi-media artist, the humorous, idiosyncratic cover is imaginative and visually appealing. The book comes with recommendations from both God and the Devil. Dear God, Sorry I haven’t written for so long. It’s been a bad time. I’ve been hurting inside and I just couldn’t put pen to paper. I hope you’ve been okay. I noticed some world wars and stuff. Guess you’ve been busy enough. Had your own shit to take care of without worrying about mine. The letter writer and protagonist, J J (James Joyce) Uselessly, is born in the South Rand Hospital, Johannesburg, in 1964. He is the illegitimate son of Daphne Nobody, The Sinner Lady, and Harry Uselessly, The Devil. His aptly named mother plays a far from nurturing role, while his father flees the scene before his birth when Daphne refuses to have an abortion. Like Kaganof himself, Uselessly Jnr. leaves South Africa as a young man to avoid conscription into the apartheid army. We find him aged thirty-five in Amsterdam, indulging his considerable hash habit and penchant for the feet of very young girls, while sending out begging letters to fund his louche lifestyle. That is, until a letter arrives postmarked Sea Point, Cape Town, from his estranged father’s girlfriend, S Cohen. It is a letter which is to change the course of his life. Harry Uselessly is recovering from the removal of a malignant Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, the “ultimate status symbol” in cancer circles. Uselessly Jnr. takes up an invitation to stay in Cape Town, returning to the country of his birth, both native and foreigner, to spend time with the father he has never known. It becomes apparent that the journey he has embarked upon is more internal than geographical as the novel focuses on the intricacies of a developing emotional involvement between father and son. Through this unexpected connection and the establishment of a paternal bond, Uselessly Jnr. discovers his true identity. Uselessly Senior is a “shrivelled-up old Jewish man whose brush with cancer has cost him thirty kilos.” Sixty-nine year old Harry is a marvellous paradox. He is an irresponsible, self-absorbed miser, but also a charming Libran with a wonderful sense of humour and frequently unconventional, sage advice for his son. The eccentric old man exhibits an unconstrained zest for life and this, along with the dignity and lack of self-pity with which he faces his illness and consequent chemotherapy treatment, make him hard to dislike. J J’s letters to God include evocative childhood reminiscences, hard-won insights from lived experience, poetry, philosophy and instances of keenly observed social hypocrisy. Under his unflinching gaze, sometimes abrasive exterior and the shock value of misogynistic sentiments such as “if the bitch is old enough to bleed she’s old enough to butcher”, he is an essentially likeable and profoundly sensitive protagonist. “I’m not a nihilist. I’m not a cynic. I just don’t believe in bullshit anymore,” Uselessly writes in his opening letter. In a later missive he writes: “Finding my dad has made me happy. I never felt this happy before … When I laugh I cry, and I don’t need to cry any more unless I’m laughing. I love you Dad. I love you.” It is in this novel, perhaps more than in any other of his works, that the author reveals his own complex psyche, vulnerability and personal ambivalence. In an essay entitled “Politics and the English Language”, George Orwell offered the following rules for good English: “Never use a long word where a short one will do. If it is possible to cut a word out, always cut it out. Never use a foreign phrase, a scientific word or a jargon word if you can think of an everyday English equivalent.” Kaganof’s writing is an example of precise, economical prose. Although Uselessly is written in a non-linear fashion, shifting between past and present, his deceptively simple writing style and colloquial tone make for easy, compelling reading. Short sentences are delivered with intelligence, originality and conviction within the paradigms of an engaging and morally complex book. Uselessly is challenging, funny, mystical, tough and touching. Kaganof has created a courageous and unapologetic portrait of the relationship between a father and son in a story about freedom and the redemptive power of laughter and love. An inimitable novel by an agent provocateur, put this book on your reading list. Even go out and buy it now. - Michelle McGrane This review first appeared in green dragon #4

The enchanting fiction of Omoseye Bolaji

How does one even begin to scratch the surface of the fiction of an African writer who has been fairly prolific like Omoseye Bolaji? I suppose the same daunting obstacles will apply to the likes of Es’kia, Ngugi, Achebe, and many other greats. Most of us would rather focus on a few memorable works of a particular author. Like Fools of Njabulo Ndebele. One advantage Bolaji has is that his fiction is generally memorable, brisk and exciting. Take works like Impossible love (2000) and Ghostly adversary (2001) for example. These are books we can re-read with pleasure. The love story in the first is enchantingly yet realistically told. Most readers seem to agree that Ghostly is a well written thriller. Bolaji's Tebogo Mystery series - now eight in all – is readable, often keeps us guessing, and informative. One aspect that impresses me is how the author grapples with language, ranging from somewhat refined prose to bathos. Consider this passage from Tebogo fails (2003) for example – ‘We got to a sort of field, like a meadow, copse, quite attractive. It was a romantic setting. Shame about those who abused the place, stalking, slinking in the dark, ready to pounce on individual females who chanced to use this route alone. But the ambience itself was magnificent. Made for lovers... Youngsters no matter how intelligent, often have a devil-may-care trait in them, a predilection to brave the world and its perils sometimes. Undoubtedly, many females here must have traversed this quote short cut route in the dark, intermittently. Rape is different from murder. No child believes he/she would be killed. Decent people do not harm the young of the world...' To his credit, Bolaji creates fiction and language many ordinary readers in Africa can identify with. The above quote shows his prose at a fairly high level - though he rarely does this. But note the very first sentence of his latest Tebogo adventure: ‘The wind seemed to have a malevolent, jeering quintessence on that day..’ Tebogo and the bacchae (2012) Thereafter, the prose is relatively simple, though. In her study of the Tebogo Mystery series - Tebogo on the prowl (2006) – critic Petro Schonfeld seems bemused with the style of Ask Tebogo (2004). She writes: 'It seems that the narrator, and sometimes even the minor characters, uses a somewhat more formal language in this novelette. The style differs from the others in the series. It could be that the author wants to emphasise Dave's essays or he wants to blend a unity. Examples of English expressions and aphorisms are abundant...the sentence construction and word choices are sometimes more formal...' Page 28 In People of the townships (2003) Bolaji seems to achieve the perfect equilibrium of language that makes the work still a sterling achievement. John Lefuo, the main character is clearly a semi-literate in theory, but his love for reading makes him such a fine narrator, despite his intermittent stylistic infelicities. Aryan Kaganof, writing on People of the townships, states: 'The pace of the writing is so snappy and its un-putdownable factor so high that the reader is left out of breath as I imagine protagonist John Lefuo must have been at the end of his last Sunday walk as a free man...this is a relentlessly grim novel that is surprisingly funny along the way. There are some hilarious dialogues...' - Leke Giwa

George Rampai and his novel

George Rampai is the author of the novel, From where I stand (2012) a fictional work. What to make of this work? Firstly is the book a novel? It certainly is! The book is at least 160 pages in length. It definitely has a plot, a good beginning and end (as regards the main story; as a thriller) The author also writes well, with general fine descriptions. Again we might ask: what about the characterization? Does the author create well-rounded, plausible figures? To a large extent he does; especially Danny (the protagonist himself) Moliehi the lady, and a few others. And what about the aspects many critics so far find objectionable? The philandering (playboy-ish) nature of the protagonist and narrator! It is undeniable that in this modern world most women will not like the references to a man’s lust and apparent desire to sleep with virtually every woman he meets. Yet perhaps we must also point out that from the very beginning, the narrator has admitted his terrible weakness for women. This weakness cooks his goose but in the end all goes well for him at least; the criminals are rounded up; Danny gets a fine financial reward from the police, and at least two women in his life seem ready to accommodate him, even have babies for him! Chauvinistic and sexist, perhaps. Yet Danny does not feel as if he has done anything wrong. It might be old-fashioned in these days of feminism at its height – but that’s the way it is. This does not make this novel any less exciting. Mr Rampai has done very well to put this memorable work together, despite the misgivings over how women are portrayed in the work.

- K. Motheane

The example of Teboho Masakala

It is always painful to see literacy and literature going to the dogs amidst the youngsters of today. Modern technology worsens this. Our youth now mistakenly think that social networking with its largely inane and irresponsible messages shows they are literate and modern. But this is not so. They are going backwards. In the good old days the young ones studied, read a lot. They absorbed their own legacy, and learnt a lot via books and libraries, even during apartheid. Now our young ones can hardly read properly, not to talk of appreciating literature! Youngsters hardly read any books again these days – a disaster for the nation. That is why a very young man like Teboho Masakala deserves all praise. He is still in his early 20s, but he has already published three books! What a shining example to the youth! Never mind the critics, or quality - and even the greatest of writers and books are ruthlessly criticised worldwide anyway - the fact is Ntate Masakala is doing very well, and we should all appreciate him. An exemplary youth during Youth Month. That’s Masakala. His books include – Mind, pen, papers, idea, Through it all, and The fall of Marcus Desmond - K.A Motheane

Introducing Gomolemo Mokae

Dr. Gomolemo Mokae is well known for his writings, both in English and his mother tongue, Setswana. Recently this writer caught up with him and briefly probed him on his contributions to arts and culture. Mokae has published the following novels Masego and Kaine le Abel, in Setswana. The novel, Masego, won the 1994 African Heritage Literary Award, and became runner-up in the 1994 M-net Book Prize. His other novel Kaine le Abel won the 1995 African Heritage Literary Award. His most famous English novel is The secret in my bosom. In August 1995, Dr Mokae became a joint winner of the Betrams VO Literature of Africa Award, together with Lazarus Miti – an African languages lecturer at the Swaziland University. They shared the R15 000 prize. As a short story writer, Dr. Mokae has published short stories in numerous local and overseas magazines. His short story, The Good Women do won a prize in a competition run by the National Arts Coalition in 1994. He has published a collection of his short stories – Short not tall stories; and also Nnete ke Serunya, a Setswana short story anthology. Dr. Mokae has also written many plays; his stage play, The way the cookie crumbles reached the finals of the 1993 Amstel Playwright of the Year contest. His other dramas, Gaabo Motho and Lisenetheni were screened for TV drama on SABC 2. - F Qoopane

Sello Duiker: sublime writer

Kabelo Sello Duiker would have turned 37 on April 13 this year (2011)had he not extinguished his own flame on January 19 2005.

At the time of his death Duiker had already published two acclaimed novels: He won the Commonwealth Writers’ Prize for Best First Book: Africa Region for his debut novel, Thirteen Cents (David Philip, 2000), and the Herman Charles Bosman Prize for The Quiet Violence of Dreams (Kwela, 2001). His third novel, The Hidden Star (Umuzi, 2005) was published posthumously.

If there is anything we can learn from Duiker, it is that the literary landscape is a universal landscape and should not be defined along racial lines. Duiker was not a good black writer; he was just a great writer. His peers, literary giants and critics all acknowledged his contribution to our literature.

Duiker is to literature what Steve Biko is to politics, both having died at the tender age of 30 but leaving indelible footprints in our collective memory. Duiker’s writing distinguished itself with its courageous interrogation of issues relating to sexuality, identity, mental illness and Hiv and Aids. Thirteen Cents is a moving account of a 13-year old homeless boy, who in his struggle to survive on the streets of Cape Town, finds himself being sexually abused by adults. The Quiet Violence, on the other hand, centres on the tumultuous life of Tshepo, a Rhodes University student who is confined to a mental asylum in Cape Town.

Indeed a close reading of Duiker’s works reveals that the thread that runs through his writing is identity in its diverse forms. Azure, the teenage protagonist in Thirteen Cents loses his identity and becomes Blue; and Tshepo becomes Angelo-Tshepo in The Quiet Violence. The circumstances surrounding this change of identity have largely to do with the effects of racism that permeate the lives of these characters.

Six years after his demise, Duiker remains one of the best writers ever to come out of South Africa and arguably the best to have emerged since the turn of the century. It was surely because of these extraordinary achievements that the South African Literary Awards (Sala) saw fit to name an award after him.

Naming an award after Duiker is the greatest accolade bestowed on his memory, but more needs to be done to preserve and celebrate his legacy. Duiker should be a figure that aspirant writers strive to emulate.
- Siphiwo Mahala