LIMPOPO – The Xitsonga Literary Awards will officially launch at Xilumani Hotel in Giyani on Sunday, December 29.

The event, founded by Allex Mhangani, aims to recognise Xitsonga authors and support them in marketing their work.

The launch is an exclusive event for invited guests, with the actual awards set to commence next year.

“The idea to host such an event arose after realising the challenges that authors encounter with the marketing of their books,” Mhangani said.

“The publishing industry has evolved from hardcopy to digital, and we aim to assist authors with the right channels and platforms to reach the right people.”

Mhangani, who also collaborates with transcribers and translators to translate books from English to Xitsonga, emphasised the importance of adapting to the digital age to support local authors.

The event will feature speeches from notable figures including Dr. Freddy Rikhotso, Risenga Maluleke, Case Ngobeni, Themba Magaisa, and Dr Hasani Makhubele.

Additionally, six Mozambican authors who write in Xitsonga will be in attendance.

A competition between the authors will also take place, with prizes sponsored by Very Tsonga Beverages and Matomani and Deku Safaris. The grand prize includes a trip to Mozambique for two.

For more information, interested parties can call 073 914 4516.