Inspirational author, esteemed storyteller, and creative training facilitator from Nal’ibali, Madoda Ndlakuse, has been awarded the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award for 2021 by the South African Literary Awards (SALA).
The award is for his debut collection of short stories entitled ‘Mhla Latsh’iBhayi. The book contains powerful, funny, and thought-provoking stories that emanate from the author’s lived experiences and documents the social ills of his surroundings – it even takes the reader into the world of his vivid imagination.
“Getting my work and efforts recognised nationally is exciting and humbling at the same time. I would like to dedicate the award to the reading clubs that we as Nal’ibali are promoting and establishing nationwide,” said Mdlakuse.
“It is also a gem that can be used in different institutions to promote reading for pleasure in a language that you are comfortable with. The lack of isiXhosa books on library shelves is painful. This is my effort to prevent the death of indigenous stories.”
Ndlakuse is currently arranging for the book to be translated into English. It is edited by the SALA Award winning author, poet, researcher, and social worker, Mzoli Mavimbela. Sive Xelo is the brains behind the cover illustration, and Write on Publishing, in collaboration with Izinwe Concepts, did the amazing work of publishing the book.
- The book is currently available on Takealot (https://www.takealot.com/mhla-latsh-ibhayi/PLID72187918) and signed copies can also be ordered directly from the author at Izinweconcepts@gmail.com.
