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Sukulwenkosi Dube Plumtree Correspondent
MANGWE-based Roman Catholic Parish priest and writer, Father Innocent Makawule Ndlovu has published his 9th book Cultural Complexity in Marriage and Family in the light of Faith which explores Kalanga cultural practices. In the book Ndlovu, who preaches at St Anne’s Brunapeg Mission, highlights the concept of a home and family according to Kalanga tradition. He also goes on to explain some marriage practices that have been criticised and traces their roots.

He juxtaposes Christianity and African tradition showing how the two can complement each other in an effort to merge them. “I write religious and cultural books and this is the 9th book that I’ve published. The new book is broad as it seeks to highlight a number of Kalanga cultural aspects while also incorporating religious practices.

“I included a chapter on the history of our clan, the Makawule clan. In as much as my ministry is inclined towards the religious aspect, I also believe that our culture and tradition should not be neglected as it defines us,” Ndlovu said.

Giving an overview of the Makawule clan history, Ndlovu explains complex cultural issues regarding marriage and family among the Kalanga, such as wife swapping, conflicts between mothers-in-law and daughters-in-law.

He goes on to criticise some traditional practices which require re-evaluation in the light of faith. The author said his work stems from his desire to promote the Kalanga culture which he hopes to have its books incorporated within libraries as he feels the culture has disintegrated.

“I believe my books can help in the study of the Kalanga culture in schools and colleges. I’ve also included some case studies which can give people a broad understanding of various topics,” Ndlovu said.

He published his first book “An Insight into the growth of the Archdiocese of Bulawayo” in 2008. He later penned “Imbali yabafelukholo baseUganda”, “Culture and Christianity” and “Imbali yabangcwele basendulo iyisibonelo esihle emulini zethu,” among others.