Duo promotes Xhosa books
Ex-offenders Mcebisi KaNdama and Phikolomzi Jama Jaxa have published the books of nine authors from the Memezela press, established in Komani in 2016. Some of the books include by KaNdama, by Jaxa, Cokisa Tusi and by
(Love alone does not build a home), by Nomaza Tshirana.
KaNdama said: “Many ordinary people are coming forward with their stories and so far we have eight manuscripts waiting to be published.
“These include
which translates to “Did you marry me to abuse me?” by Onesimo Nontswabi, who wrote about her struggle of living with an abusive husband.”
Another interesting manuscript is
by Jaxa, which exposes hair-raising issues on gangsterism in prison.
“We want to establish a strong publishing company in the province because there are no strong viable publishing companies to which people can take their manuscripts,” KaNdama said.
The challenge was a lack of funding for editing and printing.
“We appeal to local businesses to assist us to publish more books and we will make history by launching them in Komani.
“We are also promoting the isiXhosa language. People are still reading the old isiXhosa classic books such as
(Ask God). We want the books we are going to publish to be placed in libraries.”
Contact KaNdama on
078-656-0610 or Jaxa on
076-158-8411.