Young writer publishes his first book

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Mashudu Worship Mmbulaheni is among the local young artists who ooze confidence and determination. He recently published his first novel, entitled Ndivengo de.

Mmbulaheni is from Shakaza village and he encourages other young people to utilize their talents for the benefit of their communities. His advice to them is to develop their love of reading and to read as many books as possible. “If you don't read, you are robbing yourself of the many delights that are only found in books, magazines and newspapers,” he said. “We have a lot of entertainment and social publications, which also educate us in one way or another.”

He explained that his book was not written in an ancient language, but in pure Tshivenda. He believes that poets are the right people to keep a language alive by reviving it in their work. “I noticed that our language is fading and getting swallowed up by the frequent use of English in our day-to-day life,” he said. “It came as a shock to me that our language is melting like a hailstone, and so I decided to revive Tshivenda.”

Mmbulaheni said that capturing their words and idioms in the form of poetry was up to writers. His humility is impressive, and he does not look down on people because of his status. In fact, he wants to be treated just like any other person. “It took time for my family to accept me as a writer,” he said.

As a young man, he often went hunting for animals in the bush and would scream out loud. This inspired him to start writing. “I cried out through my writing to find solutions to the difficulties I was experiencing,” he said.

“I believe that, in life, we are all equal. People should go out there and make a mark in their lives, as nothing is impossible. I’m always poking fun at people as a matter of encouraging them to be better in life,” said Mmbulaheni.

“It is important to use our skills while we are still young because that is the foundation for our future. Mine is an inborn talent, but my success is coupled with hard work, determination, and a positive attitude. I also want to prove the fact that success does not depend on whether one comes from a disadvantaged rural area, like me, but on one’s ability to use what available resources one has.”

People who are interested in obtaining Mmbulaheni’s book can phone him on Tel 081 878 3877 or 071 797 2559, or Facebook him at Olugaho Mashudu Mmbulaheni or search for True Story By Mash. He can also be reached by email at [email protected].

By: Kaizer Nengovhela

Kaizer Nengovhela started writing stories for Limpopo Mirror in 2000. Prior to that he had a five year stint at Phala-Phala FM as sports presenter. In 2005 Kaizer received an award from the province's premier as Best Sports Presenter. The same year he was also nominated as Best Sports Reporter by the Makhado Municipality. Kaizer was awarded the Mathatha Tsedu award in 2014.