Author inspires learners
He encouraged the learners to read especially if they want a career in writing
AS part of the 21st Time of the Writers festival, renowned author, Thembinkosi Qwabe hosted a talk at Phambili High School.
Qwabe is a qualified teacher currently completing his PhD at the University of KwaZulu-Natal focusing on the challenges of the post-Apartheid era as revealed in the 20 isiZulu novels.
He has written and published in all genres in isiZulu and completed an anthology of short stories in English. Recently, his interest shifted to writing children’s books as he believes there is a serious shortage of these books in local languages.
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His writing is premised from his belief that art has always played a major role in the service to humanity across the globe, hence the need to continue as a writer to create literary works that would add value to the lives of people globally, highlighting challenges facing humanity at large and highlighting a way to a more humane world.
He wrote his first book in 1993 when he was still a student.
Qwabe said he has a deep passion for poetry. “It is a good way to convey your feeling. IsiZulu by nature is a poetic language, how men approach a beautiful woman and how they can get the attention of an old man is part of our poetic nature,” he said.
He encouraged the learners to read especially if they want a career in writing. “Just like a musician listens to music and rehearses, a writer must read and write to become better at the craft,” he said.
“My writing reflects what I believe, that art should reflect society. When you write, you serve people and as an artist you decide if you want to serve the rich or the poor,” Qwabe said.
School principal, Londa Luthuli, said this festival puts the school on another level. “For many years we were undermined and from now will move to greater heights.”
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