Pertunia Khumbudzo Managa is an excited young writer. Her first book of poems, Ditimbu la Zwililo Misevhe, was recently published.
Managa's writing skills began to develop when she was still a learner at Andries Mavhungu Secondary School. After completing matric, she started compiling her poems in the hope of one day having them published.
"Though I have seen how some writers struggle to get their books published, I prepared myself. In fact, I found that rejection inspired me. But then again, I have only chosen writing as a hobby, not a career," she said.
Rather than conveying her messages in a foreign language, she chose to write in pure Tshivenda. She believes native poets can help keep the language alive by reviving it in their work. "Our language is fading more and more - melting like a hailstorm - as it gets swallowed up by the frequent use of English in our daily lives. It's up to us to record our words and idioms in our books, in our poetry."
Some of the poems in her book highlight the idea that everyone needs to take their talents seriously if they want to contribute meaningfully to society. "This book is selling like hotcakes. People find it relevant to their everyday lives," she said.
When asked why she had decided to publish a poetry book, Managa said many platforms existed to address social issues, and she had found that writing was the best medium to express her views. Besides poetry, she also enjoys writing short stories.