Phathutshedzo Mamafha, author of Restoring Humanity and Murabeli, published a translation of the latter book a fortnight ago.
Murabeli has been translated into Beyond All, and the English translation aims to reach readers who cannot read Tshivenda and thereby expand the novel’s readership.
The novel is based on the author's real-life experiences and tells the story of a young girl, named Chanda Makhado, whose mother died when she was still very young. She grows up living with her father and paternal grandmother. When her father brings home a new wife and her own two children, of Chanda’s age, she is at first happy that she now has a ‘mother’ and siblings. But the ‘mother’ turns out to be a monster who also encourages her two children to abuse Chanda.
“Chanda cannot understand her painful situation; everywhere around her are families where there are new mothers or new fathers, where she sees unity, harmony and peace. This goes to show that, while there are bad stepparents, there are also good stepparents,” Mamafha explains.
During some physical and spiritual terrors, Chanda learns courage, determination, and faith in a higher power. What starts off as a minor setback between her and her stepbrother turns into spiritual warfare that shakes her family’s foundation. How long will Chanda suffer at the hands of her stepmother under her father’s watch before the unexpected divine intervention occurs?
The trials and tribulations that Chanda must face are many. She devotes herself to God through the assistance of prayerful people around her, and that is how she manages to have focus in life.
“In life, people come across different challenges indeed, which either make them strong or vulnerable, depending on the vessel we are created of,” said the author. “However good or bad, we choose our battles.”
“People will surely enjoy reading this book,” Mamafha said.
Both Murabeli and Beyond All are published by Vhakololo Press in Louis Trichardt. In manuscript form, Murabeli was named finalist in the Sanlam Prize for Youth Literature in 2017.
Mamafha can be followed on Facebook and contacted on Tel 072 103 6902.
