Mpumalanga author’s third book teaches women to overcome hardships
She says her goal is to preserve the Siswati language.
An educator and author from humble beginnings, who is passionate about preserving the Siswati language and advocating for women’s well-being, recently released her third book.
After having released two books in her native language, Suzan Ntuli (66) has written her first English book, Hold On, which she launched on at Rivers of the Living Waters Ministry in KaBokweni on Saturday, December 7.
Hold On is a book of encouragement and hope that talks about the challenges young and older women go through. These unforeseen circumstances makes them lose hope in life and give up, some even taking their own lives. The book gives advice on how to bounce back, stand up, become strong and take charge of your life again in this cruel world,” she said.
Her first book, “Mgogodla Wase Mpumalanga”, released in 2017, focused on the history of Matsafeni. The book explored the strict rules and regulations that the residents had to live by.
In 2021, she released her second book, Isithembiso.
She said both books were well received.
“Many people said they gave them a feeling of belonging. They said the first book made them proud to be from Mataffin as they were able to view it differently.”
Ntuli’s educational background includes studying at Nkunzi Secondary School and the Mgwenya College of Education.
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She shared some details about her upbringing and her interest in writing. “I grew up under difficult circumstances. The learners at school would make fun of us because we were from a rural area. But we endured even through the hardships.”
Today she is an educator who aspires for her books to be used as mediums of learning.
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“I have realised that young people prefer to speak English instead of their home language, which is not good. Your mother tongue is an instrument for learning about your background and culture. If young people cannot communicate in their native language, then our history will die out. My biggest wish is for my books to be used in schools so that learners are educated about their history, and so that our Siswati language is simultaneously preserved,” she said.
She encouraged the community to support up-and-coming writers. “We struggle to get our books in schools and libraries, so it is important to support local authors,” she added.
