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Blessing Karubwa, Showbiz Reporter

UNLIKE most of his colleagues, author Nkalipho Mathema was destined to end up being one of the best-known authors in unpacking the history of the Ndebele.

This was due to his passion and determination in his research of the history of the Ndebele.

The 33-year-old South Africa-based Zimbabwean, who was born and bred in Nkayi District, Matabeleland North Province, said writing is something that he started as a hobby. He said he would read and write eulogies and short stories on different tribes and share them on WhatsApp and Facebook groups.

Now, he has simultaneously penned four Ndebele historic novels which seek to educate history lovers. He said he expects to launch two of them next year.

“These books will be launched in phases with the first ones, uMzilikazi and Emdangweni Wamaqhawe being launched in April next year. The other two, Kusaphazima Imkhonto and Isabelo sikaMthwakazi will be launched in April 2025,” Mathema said.

“I don’t just write novels, but I write historic novels that seek to correct and reveal certain historical facts about the Ndebele tribe. I’ve gone to meet certain kings and visited libraries to get some telegrams in a bid to trace the nature and history of the Ndebele society.

“I believe that my historic novels will contribute in keeping history alive.”\

For the love of writing and not for the glory, at the age of 25 years in 2015, Mathema said he started writing mediocre eulogies and short stories on the culture and attributes of the Ndebele society.

“We were like praise writers. A kind of non-verbal historian who marked contemporary events and history with pieces of writings that were of special meaning to the people,” said Mathema.

The author underscored the importance of writing historic books, citing that it is a way of preserving history.

“I encourage other authors to find out more about the origins of different tribes so that we do not lose our history as Africans,” he said.

Having been motivated by the readers, the father of two wrote his first Ndebele historic novel titled Ukuchitheka kombuso wabaNsundu which was launched last year in November. The historic novel is expected to be uploaded on his Facebook page in May next year. – @KarubwaTicha