INDABA WITH FREE STATE WRITERS By Saint George Vis

Indaba with FS Writers is a very welcome book – and credit must go to the Editor of the work, George Vis for his initiative and hard work. It is another boost to black writing in the Province.

The quality of the interviews is generally quite high, with Kgosietsile Dinthloane showing that he is world class with his brilliant comments on poetry in particular. Anybody who reads what he has to say in this wise would be much richer for it. Charmaine Kolwane also weighs in with some very fine comments too. It is good to see women showing their zeal when it comes to writing.

That is why it is particular disappointing and shocking to read part of what Neo Mvubu has to say. One would have expected that such a young writer who has been fast tracked – she is already published in anthologies, Internet etc – would be positive and grateful. But she whines and complains about not getting enough “support” from so-called established, older writers. Does she even think about someone like Ntate Kgang Motheane who only got published at over 60 years of age? Does Neo realize how privileged and lucky she is? Does she even appreciate being included in this new book whilst someone like Flaxman Qoopane is not there?

In contrast to Neo’s attitude are the very fine comments of both Skietreker (Seape) and Teboho Masakala, both also very young writers who are evidently delighted to be already in the limelight so early. Their interviews show their positive nature and gratitude for already making their way in the literary genre. In fact “Skietreker” is even confident enough to self-publish – showing he does not believe in being spoon-fed all the way. A writer should essentially be used to privacy and should not expect others to do more than encourage them, or perhaps make publishing a bit easier for them. History has thrown up very good writers who had to wait for endless years before breaking into publication.

It would come as a great shock to critics and scholars – and the international world of literature – that O Bolaji is not featured in this book. After all, his name is synonymous with Free State black literature worldwide. But not much should be read into this, as there are many tributes to Bolaji in this new book; also, there are more than enough full-length books and international articles published on Bolaji’s literary works anyway.

Others would also express surprise that writers like Qoopane and Job Mzamo are not interviewed. The simple truth is that in a work like this, not everybody can be included for various reasons. Jane Wilkinson’s classic, Talking with African writers will always be celebrated – yet many great African writers (like Ama Ata Aidoo, Ola Rotimi, John Ruganda and Es’kia Mphahlele) were not included in the book.

Writers focused on in the book are: Thabo Mafike, Neo Mvubu, Kgang Motheane, Mosidi Mohlakela, Kgosietsile Dinthloane, Seleke Botsime, Charmaine Kolwane, Teboho Masakala, “Skietreker (Richard Seape) and Pule Lechesa. The first edition of the book I saw had some mistakes but I understand they have now been corrected.

On the whole, this new book, Indaba with Free State Writers is a fine work that celebrates Free State black Writing and shows why writing from this area is admired by many. More importantly, with so many young writers featured it is clear that the literary future of the Province is in good hands!