Authors inspire pupils
PA Library celebrates World Book Day with local schools
The Port Alfred Library celebrated World Book Day, which takes place on April 23, at Nomzamo Secondary School on Tuesday April 19 to encourage pupils to read more and aspire to become authors themselves.
As part of the celebrations, the library invited two local authors, Fundiswa Bangani and Nomathemba Sikholi, to talk to and inspire pupils to both read and write.
The pupils were encouraged to read more from an early age to enhance their vocabulary and to write because, as the authors explained, an avid reader can become a writer as well.
Peddie-born Sikholi told the pupils that she had worked on various story ideas while growing up, but didn’t pen much until 2019, when she decided to follow up on her desire to become an author.
“I started writing short stories while I was still in high school, but it was merely bits and pieces of short stories here and there,” Sikholi said.
“But as I grew older, I had this burning sensation to write, which I had not followed in my earlier years.
“Then in 2019, I decided to just go for it because I felt ready.
“I already had quite a number of things I wanted to write about but what struck me more is the power of God and all the wonderful mercy he’s shown in my life.”
Sikholi added that she wanted to tell more people and spread the good news of the Gospel, which inspired her first book, titled The Greatness of God, which is set to be published in May this year.
“I wrote in my notebook all year long and then when I went to the town library to get access to type on the computer, I was greatly assisted by the library personnel and they even gave me more information on how to go about publishing my written work,” Sikholi said.
She then wrote her second book, Intsikelelo Zokuhlonipha Abazali, which was published first.
This book speaks to children and parents and touches on discipline in the home which makes schoolteachers’ important jobs easier.
“We need a nation with respect and these principles are instilled back at home before the learner even gets to school,” the author added. Covering a topic that affects many, Bangani’s book Zikhethele, highlights the difficulties many people experience due to drug and alcohol abuse, as well as the HIV/Aids epidemic.
Bangani said her aim was to drive s the message of making the right choices in life, warning that “ultimately there are no shortcuts to the treasures of life”.
The storyline revolves around three boys and their friends and the story builds up from their early youth to adulthood.
In the book, the author emphasises the importance of decision-making through these critical stages of our human experience.
This is depicted through Bible parables of success and morality.
While Bangani has worked in different business ventures including catering, sewing and décor, she believes she has a greater calling in writing.
“Writing is like a calling you cannot run away from, and that is your purpose,” she says.
Her calling or true gift ignited with the publishing of her book titled God Is Practical, which she wrote about her personal experience.
“The title of this book spells out the context and message behind this book,” she said.
“God is Practical offers the reader guidance and lessons through the acts and practices of spiritual customs.
“The practicality of our Creator is in the application of his wisdom,” she explained.