School buys author’s novel for pupils

It was a huge achievement for local author Sphamandla Ngcece when Hlanganani Preparatory recently bought 30 copies of his IsiZulu novel titled, Impangele enhle ikhala igijima, for the school’s grade 7 pupils.

And it was an even bigger accomplishment for the writer when he bagged an opportunity to read his novel on Greytown’s Radio Khwezi. Originally from the QoloQolo area in Mthwalume, Ngcece said he started writing in 2020 when the Covid-19 lockdown began.

Ngcece explained that he did not study writing, adding that he feels as if he was born with excellent writing skills.

“Before my grandmother died in 2015, she told me that I am good when it comes to convincing and communicating with people. That is why she asked me to be either a storyteller, lawyer, journalist or police detective,” he said.

He developed his talent while still in primary school. He added that he was good at writing essays, and that teachers used him as an example when encouraging other pupils.

“Even in high school when we did orals or presentations, the teachers also used me as an example when it came to good work. Whenever we were asked to write a two-page essay, I wrote over four pages,” said Ngcece.

The author who specialises in isiZulu historical novels and short stories said he focused on this genre after seeing how the black youth is disconnecting from their vernacular languages.

Ngcece explained that in his novel, Impangele enhle ikhala igijima, he is trying to encourage young women who are mostly involved in things such as drugs to overcome their addiction.

He said he tries to remind young women that they are the pillar of the nation. “Without women, we are nothing. The book was published in December 2020 and is available at a publishing house in Scottsville in Pietermaritzburg,” said Ngcece.

Now employed as a marketing and promotion agent at Iwwilah publishers, Ngcece has the chance to connect other aspiring authors with local radio stations for book reviews and interviews. Last year, I was invited to a career-day event at Hlanganani Preparatory.

“This was after the school principal saw an article about me in the Fever. The school then bought 30 copies of my book for its grade 7 pupils,” said Ngcece. He added that his career goals included being a motivational speaker on radio.

Ngcece said he dreams of the day the government or the Department of Basic Education buys his book. Recently, Ngcece was appointed as the Cultural and Creative Industries Federation of South Africa (CCIFSA) Ugu District languages and publishing convener.

“I am willing to assist authors and upgrade our industry as writers. I would also love to establish a writing and reading club in Ugu and also get support from municipalities and business owners in the district,” said Ngcece.