×

We've got news for you.

Register on SowetanLIVE at no cost to receive newsletters, read exclusive articles & more.
Register now

Teen author has big plans

POWER OF WORDS: Sophumelela High School pupil Nomthandazo Dyamdeki with a copy of her book. Photo: Supplied
POWER OF WORDS: Sophumelela High School pupil Nomthandazo Dyamdeki with a copy of her book. Photo: Supplied

A 14-YEAR-OLD Cape Town pupil has published her first book of short stories and expects this to boost reading in isiXhosa

Nomthandazo Dyamdeki, a Grade 9 pupil at Sophumelela High School in Samora Machel, said her aim was to promote a culture of reading in black communities.

Titled Ukuhamba Kukubona, the book tackles the high rate of crime in predominantly black residential areas.

The book also addresses the question of the high rate of teenage pregnancy.

The young author lambasted fathers who failed to support their children.

Dyamdeki said she was very concerned by the low level of reading of isiXhosa books by many people and school children in the black community.

"For example, some pupils in the former Model C or private schools are unable to read isiXhosa books.

"It is a disgrace and an embarrassment if people are unable to speak and even read their own language," she said.

Dyamdeki urged local communities, particularly school children, to write about their personal experiences.

She particularly wanted them to write about the history of the country for the benefit of the current and future generations.

Dyamdeki started writing the book in 2009 when she was in Grade 6 at Samora Machel Primary School.

"I was supported by my former isiXhosa teacher Cikizwa Malgas," she said.

"She also encouraged me to complete the book."

Malgas then referred her to Madoda Gcwadi, a director of Ikapa Writers Forum in Khayelitsha.

The forum empowers young people with creative writing skills so that they can pursue writing as a hobby and career.

The forum had trained about 300 young people from Khayelitsha, Gugulethu, Nyanga, Langa and Somerset West since it was started in 2008.

The forum offers skills in writing memoirs, novels, dramas, poetry and short stories

Before meeting Gcwadi, Dyamdeki said she had struggled to get the book published.

"I contacted the Oxford University Press in Cape Town where they told me to first have enough money to get it published.

"The company also said the book would not be published if it contained too many mistakes," she said.

That is when Dyamdeki decided to join the Ikapa Writers Forum.

Gcwadi advised and mentored her and helped edit and have the book published.

Gcwadi, who is also the publisher of Logical Books in Khayelitsha, said Dyamdeki was talented and had already shown leadership qualities.

"Nomthandazo has great potential to be a successful author," he added.

Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.

Speech Bubbles

Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.