Tshimangadzo Mufamadi, a local author from Ha-Mashau, was honoured at the Seventh African Annual Global Honoree Authors Awards for his Tshivenḓa and English book, Tsumbanḓila a grade 1-3 the book written in Tshivenda and also translated to English . The award ceremony was held at Sandton library in Johannesburg on Wednesday, 31 July 2024
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Mufamadi was very excited about having written a book in a language that his people, including the elderly, can understand. “Even if they cannot read it themselves, their grandchildren can read it out loud for them,” with the book been translated to English, it enable other people who are not fluent in Tshivenda to learn Tshivenḓa “he said”.
What inspired the author to write a book in English and Tshivenḓa
He saw that Grade 4 learners are struggling with writing and reading reason being in foundation phase they are taught Mathematics, English, Life skills in their home language, such transition has propelled him to write a book that will be accessible to learners, to help to bridge the gab between the two languages.
Mufamadi’s passion for writing began when he was only 17 years old and still a student at Ṅwariḓi Secondary School. “My high school teacher used to read my handwritten manuscripts and provided some inputs in some of my writings and that played a significant part in my craft, his comments inspired me greatly. I am honoured to be recognised for the work that I have been doing. It means that someone has been watching my work. My journey into the craft has not always been easy, I was at times discouraged along the way, surrounded by stereotypes, people who did not believe in youth when it comes to writing books, as they perceive authorship as for old people. So I’ve worked so hard to correct such mentality, we as youth also have the skills and knowledge that need to be given support to thrive and support literacy work. we can, with right mentoring and tools at our disposal we can produce passable, publishable writings.
He highly recommends this book for learners who are struggling to read and write, the people who are unable speak English as he believes it will help them improve their reading and writing abilities.
Mufamadi can be followed on Facebook and contacted on Tel 076 568 0493.