DON’T UPSET OOMALUME!

★★★★ By HOMBAKAZI MERCY NQANDEKA Jonathan Ball

This is a fascinating and very accessible guide to Xhosa culture.

Concerned that her heritage is going to be lost to future generations, writer and agriculturalist Hombakazi Mercy Nqandeka has compiled this book, which covers a range of topics including Xhosa life ceremonies, traditional clothing, living spaces and food preparation.

Each topic is covered in English as well as Xhosa and includes stories and recollections from the author’s childhood.

Nqandeka’s primary aim is to “connect and anchor” Xhosa people who perhaps didn’t grow up in villages.

“My hope is that this book will help you to step up your Xhosa game and impress the uncles (the ooMalume of the title) next time you head for the village,” she writes.

But even if you aren’t Xhosa, there’s plenty to learn from this book. Nqandeka’s love of her culture and heritage shines through on every page.