Tshimangadzo Mufamadi, a local author from Ha-Mashau, was honoured at the fifth African Annual Global Honoree Authors Awards for his Tshivenda book, Tsumbandila. The award ceremony was held at the Genesis Conference Centre in Johannesburg on Sunday, 31 July.
Mufamadi was very excited about having written a book in a language that his people, including the elderly, can understand. "Even if they cannot read it themselves, their grandchildren can read it out loud for them," he said.
Mufamadi's passion for writing began when he was only 17 years old and still a pupil at Vhafamadi High School. "My high school teacher used to read my handwritten manuscripts and give some comments if a story was interesting, and that inspired me greatly. I am honoured to be recognised for the work that I have been doing. It means that someone has been watching my work. I received many discouragements along the way, such as that only the old can write, and that the young lack the knowledge and writing tools to produce passable, publishable writings. But I say that has been proved wrong."
He highly recommends this book for learners from Grade 4 all the way up to Grade 9, as he believes it will help them improve their reading and writing abilities.
Mufamadi can be followed on Facebook and contacted on Tel 076 568 0493.