On Friday, 23 May 2025, Alfred Duma Local Municipality, led by Mayor Cllr Z.J. Sibisi, hosted a Literature Exhibition Competition and Book Launch as part of the Africa Day celebrations. The event was organised by the Community and Social Services Department – Library Unit, in collaboration with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, and the Vulindlela Reading and Writers Club.
The aim of the event was to celebrate Africa Day by promoting local authors and showcasing their literary work. Participating uMnambithi-based authors included:
- Amanoni asoThukela by Bongani Mavuso
- Ayihlome by T.B. Qwabe and A.N. Zibani
- Kwesikabhadakazi by Sindisiwe Nzuza
- Izinkwazi zoThukela by Londi Makhanya
- Nasemaphandleni Zikhona Izimpisi by Manqoba Masondo
- Let’s Go My Own by Mbali Mabaso
- Insight: 2 Lives in 1 by S.N. Phungula
- UMcebo wakwaHlathi by Musawenkosi Jokana
The Department of Sports, Arts and Culture presented awards for the Literature Exhibition Competition and commended the Alfred Duma Library Unit for empowering local authors through the Vulindlela Reading and Writers Club. The department also conducted a skills-sharing session on poem and novel writing, encouraging communities to cultivate writing skills through reading.
Competition Results
Short Story Category:
3rd Prize: Ndumiso Majozi – Umakhonya
2nd Prize: Thandanani Khathi – Amathamo
1st Prize: Sindisiwe Nzuza – Uzinyobulala
Poetry Category:
3rd Prize: Noluthando Ngwenya
Ucingo
2nd Prize: Khanyisani Dube – Ubunzima Bempilo Ngiyabazi
1st Prize: Seluleko Zwane – uZulu uZulu uZulu
All participating authors received certificates of appreciation.
Mr. Mshengu from Macmillan Education emphasized the importance of research when writing novels. He encouraged authors to focus on storytelling and improve language usage, outlining key areas to consider during the writing process.
During the book launch segment, Mr. Musawenkosi Jokana officially launched his book UMcebo wakwaHlathi The author, from Ward 36 in KwaHlathi, also recited a poem titled Kuyiwaphi…
In the message of support, Ms. Pearl Mhlongo from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture applauded the Alfred Duma Library Unit for its efforts to promote local authors. She also informed attendees about services available through the department and encouraged continued research and use of libraries.
iNkosi S.S. Kunene commended both the Alfred Duma Library Unit and the Vulindlela Reading and Writers Club for promoting local literature. He also congratulated Mr. M. Jokana for his work and for highlighting uMnambithi through his publication.
The event was honored by attendance from the Hon. Chief Whip Cllr S. Sithole, Cllr N. Sithole, Cllr C.T. Mlaba, officials from the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture, Macmillan Education, iNkosi yeSizwe sakwaSigweje, iNkosi S.S. Kunene, learners from Ladysmith Secondary School, members of the Vulindlela Reading and Writers Club, and municipal officials.
In his remarks, Hon. Chief Whip Cllr S. Sithole praised the Community and Social Services Department – Library Unit, and the Vulindlela Reading and Writers Club for promoting literature and supporting local authors.
*END*
*Issued by:*
Alfred Duma Local Municipality
Communications and Intergovernmental Relations Section
*Enquiries:*
Ms. Thabisile Mkhize
Tel: 072 579 9544