LIMPOPO – Pertunia Khumbudzo Managa is an emerging writer who recently published her debut anthology, Ditimbu la Zwililo Misevhe.

Her passion for writing took root during her school years at Andries Mavhungu Secondary School. After matric, she began compiling her poetry, determined to one day see her work in print.

Despite being aware of the challenges many writers face in getting published, Managa remained undeterred. She saw rejection as motivation rather than a setback. Writing is her passion, rather than her career, she said.

Managa deliberately chose to write in pure Tshivenda rather than a foreign language, believing that native poets play a crucial role in preserving their mother tongue. She sees poetry as a means to document and celebrate Tshivenda, to ensure it remains with generations to come amid a growing dominance of English in daily life.

“Our language is fading as English takes over. It’s up to us to record our words and idioms in books and poetry,” she explained. Her anthology encourages readers to take their talents seriously and contribute meaningfully to society.

“This book is selling like hotcakes. People find it relevant to their everyday lives,” she said.