mbulelo smpofu
Mbulelo Mpofu, mbulelo.smpofu@gmail.com
LITERATURE and cultural reflection intertwined beautifully as 19-year-old author Phetha Mpala unveiled her debut novel, Amakhosikazi Esinyeyo, at the Seventh-Day Adventist Pelandaba Primary School in Bulawayo on Tuesday.
Phetha’s novel, which addresses the pressing issues of cultural and moral decay within society, particularly the dynamics of female behaviour, resonated with many attendees.
The event marked a significant milestone in Mpala’s budding career while emphasising the vital role parents and guardians play in nurturing and supporting their children’s ambitions across various disciplines.
“We live in a society where gossiping reigns supreme,” Mpala articulated, shedding light on the complex interactions among women and the challenges they face, including irresponsible behaviour, crime, and child abuse.
Her work aims to inspire change and foster a deeper understanding of these critical issues.
The launch was a vibrant affair, combining fashion and literature, and promoting a love for reading, especially in native languages like IsiNdebele. The attendees understood the assignment and were clothed in vintage apparel to celebrate Phetha.
Former teachers from Pelandaba Primary School, Amhlophe High School, and Premier High School gathered to celebrate the young author’s achievements, demonstrating the wide-reaching impact of her work.
Mpala, an A-level student, expressed profound gratitude to those who stood by her during her journey, particularly her parents.
“I owe a massive thank you to my supportive family,” she remarked.
Their encouragement and backing were pivotal during her formative years as a writer, providing her with the foundation needed to pursue her passion despite the challenges she faced.
Reflecting on her journey, Mpala shared the hurdles she encountered along the way.
A mere three years into her writing career, she recalled how her early works were handwritten on bond paper and required financial sacrifices to bring her dreams to fruition.
“The lack of resources was a significant challenge,” she noted.
Yet, with her family’s support, she navigated these obstacles, proving that with encouragement and belief, anything is possible.
The importance of parental support cannot be overstated. As Mpala demonstrated, having guardians who believe in their children’s talents can make a profound difference. Their presence during critical moments can empower young individuals to take risks and pursue their dreams wholeheartedly.
Phetha’s parents, Cuthbert and Nkulumo Mpala were ecstatic at the amount of work their daughter put not only to preserve the culture but also to promote the reading culture of indigenous languages.
“I’m extremely proud of our daughter who, unlike her peers has shown respect, industry and a love for authorship, making us proud as a family. She has put the Mpala name on a pedestal and her ability to pen a novel in our native IsiNdebele means that our culture, traditions, and language won’t be washed away,” said her father Cuthbert.
An equally proud mother, Nkulumo emphasised the need for parents and guardians to support their children, irrespective of their career path.
“As parents and guardians, we tend to want to choose careers for our children and I think gone are the days when that seemed feasible. We need to discuss career options with our children and help them choose better not to force them to do what we want. I’m proud that Phetha chose to be an author and I support her in this regard,” she said.
Besides her parents and teachers, Phetha was armed with an army of school and childhood friends who performed and recited poems, read chapters from her debut novel and acted out a chapter off it. – @MbuleloMpofu
