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Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
PLUMTREE writer and activist, Ntandoyenkosi Dumani has published three Kalanga books which will be used as reading material in schools and tertiary institutions.

Dumani, a member of the Kalanga Language and Cultural Development Association (KLCDA) writers’ committee, said the literature sought to revive the Kalanga culture which had been distorted.

“Books are an effective method of documenting and preserving the culture and identity of a community and that’s the reason why I published these books. My aim is to have the Kalanga culture restored by availing literature to schools and the entire community,” Dumani said.

“When we were growing up, we were socialised to speak in Ndebele and in the process, the Kalanga language turned out to be inferior. These books seek to demystify this stereotype and represent the demise of viewing the Kalanga culture from a victim’s point of view.”

Dumani said the three books Makungulupeswa Netjenesiwa Kwawo, Yalila Hwehhu and Mihodzi Yebun’wa which were launched last week sought to counter distortion of traditional norms and values as well as misspelt words.

Poetry book, Yalila Hwehhu comprises of 26 poems. One of them Anditotukana urges the Kalanga community to take an active role in preserving their culture as well as imploring the elderly and traditional leaders to retain their role of passing down the wisdom of their culture to the younger generation.

Makungulupeswa Netjenesiwa Kwawo features 573 proverbs and their explanations. The book celebrates and projects the rich linguistic flair and wisdom of baKalanga.

In Mihodzi Yebun’wa Dumani highlights various socio-cultural issues of the Kalanga. He brings out various traditional procedures for courtship and marriage.

The writer urged the government to contribute towards reviving the Kalanga culture through assisting in availing Kalanga literature to school pupils.

Bulilima District Administrator, Ethel Moyo said there was a need for more Kalanga literature to circulate in schools.

She said documenting Kalanga practices and tradition was the best way of preserving the Kalanga identity before urging youths from the Kalanga community to play an active role in preserving their culture.