The Limpopo Department of Sports, Arts, and Culture is encouraging young drama writers to start writing books in their mother tongue to promote indigenous languages. Ms Mamokgabo Mogodi, the department's deputy director for literature promotion, made this announcement during a writer's workshop held at the Wells of Revival Christian International Church in the village of Makonde on Wednesday, 6 September.
Mogodi said that they are actively scouting for young aspiring drama writers from across the province to contribute to indigenous literature as most established writers were older individuals.
Veteran author Mr Rudzani Tshianane, of Vhutsila Publishing in Thohoyandou, also addressed young writers during the event. He urged them to conduct thorough research on recent community issues, such as gender-based violence and femicide, since these problems are prevalent in their communities. Tshianane emphasised that aspiring rural writers need more information on how to write drama books in their own languages, such as Tshivenda, instead of writing in English, which is not their mother tongue.
Tshianane has also written and published several novels, including a book called "Ganuko", which is prescribed for Grade 9 learners.
One of the young novel writers who attended the workshop, Maduvha Netshakhuma (20) from Makonde village, said the workshop was an eye-opener for her and many other local young writers. She said they had gained some valuable tips on writing dramas and hoped to educate the nation through their literary work.