The struggles faced by children who suffer at the hands of their stepparents is one of the themes that new author Pertunia Khumbudzo Managa touches on in her Tshivenda drama book Ditimbu la Zwililo. The book was launched in November last year.
The 23-year-old author has dreamt of publishing her first book for many years. The book reflects her educational journey, which began at Ganyane Primary School and continued at Mavhungu Andries Secondary School. "It was during my secondary school years that I developed a passion for creative writing, including stories, poetry, and drama. After completing high school, I enrolled at the University of Venda, where I am currently pursuing studies under the Faculty of Management, Commerce and Law," she said.
Managa added that 2024 marked a significant milestone in her writing career after she joined the Arts Gallery group at the university. "This experience inspired me to revisit my writing aspirations, culminating in the completion of my debut book, Ditimbu la Zwililo," she said.
According to Managa, the book delves into the profound pain people endure daily. Healing from hurtful words and experiences can be a daunting task. "This pain can stem from various sources, but my book focuses on the struggles faced by children who suffer at the hands of their stepparents after losing their biological parents. The book also exposes the malicious behaviour of some individuals who seek to destroy others' reputations, leading to hatred and social ostracism," she said.
She said that a key takeaway was the importance of resilience and proactive problem-solving to survive in the face of wickedness. "Drawing from everyday experiences and observations, I am confident that readers will find Ditimbu la Zwililo both an engaging and enlightening read, offering valuable lessons and insights," Managa said.