Thivhusiwi Tshindane Tshivhula, a resident of Lutomboni village in the Nzhelele Valley, has ended a 12-month hiatus with the release of another poetry collection. The new publication, A bve hu dzhene nnyi, which translates to Who will replace him if he must go, hit the shelves of local bookshops last Monday, 25 November.
The poems in the collection are largely political in nature. The book opens with the title poem, A bve hu dzhene nnyi, which reflects on the presidency of Mr Matamela Cyril Ramaphosa, the President of the Republic of South Africa. In the poem, Tshindane speculates on the challenges the country may face in finding a suitable successor when Ramaphosa's term ends.
Another poem, Ngoho kha i ambiwe (Truth be told), is likely to stir controversy among those who benefited from state capture. In it, the former teacher praises Ramaphosa for his efforts in fighting corruption and urges him to ensure that all corrupt politicians and officials are held accountable without delay.
Tshindane shared that the book had already sold more than 100 copies within just two weeks of its release. He expressed confidence that it will bring him further accolades, noting his previous successes.
In November last year, Tshindane won a South African Literary Award at a ceremony held at North-West University's auditorium in Potchefstroom. Earlier in 2022, he was also celebrated at the launch of the Alkebulan Authors' Platform at the Protea Hotel Marriott in Polokwane. There, he received a R50,000 cheque for his work, Hone hu tshi tea u maliwa nga vhugai (When it is necessary to marry with wisdom), which was published that same year.