Paul Lothane on how FS Black Writing fared in 2012…

By Paul Lothane

The year, 2012 is petering to an end; and like I did at the end of last year (and mid this year) I would like to focus a bit on some of the major literary trends in the Free State again. Not that I am filled with euphoria. Why? Because it seems since my last “mid-term report” nothing much has happened in the Province. But don’t let me jump the gun.

Let me start by reproducing some comments – still very important and apt – which I wrote this time last year:

“How many times do we have to say it that writers must ensure that their books are read by the right people, respected reviewers critics, even scholars if possible? In this way they (writers) are assured of some sort of immortality with their books being analysed, talked about, reviewed. As history has shown, those who do not go through this process are either wasting their time, writing only for themselves, or will never really be acknowledged as writers…

Of course the year 2012 started very well in respect of writing. Again I wrote (mid this year) :

Hence Pule Lechesa must be commended for the publication of Essays on Free State Black literature early this year. Suffice it to say that the work is world class.

Early in the year Omoseye Bolaji also published the 8th in the Tebogo series, Tebogo and the bacchae. As one would expect, countless excellent reviews and critiques of the book have appeared in many parts of the world already.

The book, Free State of mind has also been a critical success. The poetic work is the brainchild of Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta, Rita Chihawa and Lebo Leisa. It is a great achievement that the book has attracted positive reviews from literary figures like Bolaji, Hector Kunene, Mathene Mahanke, Napo Masheane, Sabata Mpho Mokae, Mpikeleni Duma, etc

George Rampai did very well to publish the novel, From where I stand. I have seen the book, and on a personal note it would be my choice for book of the year. .. (The book did win in this category at the Mbali Awards)...

Teboho Masakala also did well again to publish another work of fiction, The fall of Marcus Desmond - apparently another grim work ending in a reprehensible death.

Since then, what has happened? Certainly nothing much as regards book publication, though at least there was another study on O Bolaji published titled Omoseye Bolaji: a voyage around his literary work. Authored by Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga. Even if I did not read the book it has been a great success obviously. But happily enough I have read the work and I largely agree with the reviewers/critics who are in consensus that it is a fine book indeed.

I do not want to be churlish, so let me mention Ukukhanya - by Mayibongwe Mpanda. We may quote from the major review of the work (By Kgang Motheane) : “We must remember that not all books are published for literary acclamation or purposes. The writer just has something to say - this includes books with spiritual or motivational purpose. Ukukhanya is such a work. The author is Mayibongwe Mpanda and this book strives to improve us spiritually... Ukukhanya (light) contains a variety and diverse kinds of poems and there are some real questions posed prompting the reader to logic thinking. There are poems covering various topics like faith, social affairs, family affairs, economic affairs, political affairs etc… Poems here include humbleness, youth, talent, ubuntu, reconciliation, Holy spirit, women’s Day, South Africa, rainbow nation, water of life, wisdom, bread of life, no to crime, complacency; among others.”

Last time around I lamented in my “mid-term report” that that there were few impressive essays or literary reviews pertaining to the Province in 2012. In this sphere there is much better news, thanks to the magnificent wordfest that took place during Macufe. Mr Pule Lechesa’s speech at the occasion (now available in English on the internet under the title:  ‘Literature in mother tongue, tantalising translations, ebb and flow of pertinent literature, et al…’) is easily one of the highlights of the year for those who appreciate pure literature. Mr Qoopane’s speech on fusing fiction and journalism was impressive too; but to be honest, it fades into relative insignificance when compared with Lechesa’s delivery.

 

On a rather unfortunate note, I find myself compelled to reproduce another paragraph I wrote at the end of last year here:

“The most disappointing aspect of 2011 was the failure of the much advertised book on Flaxman Qoopane, supposed to be written by Hector Kunene, to come out. Thus far, no apology or explanation has been offered to the literary world to explain such a farce and embarrassment. Writers, even those from F.S must remember that the literary world is a very serious, responsible one where reputations can be made and tarnished quite easily. There are many scrupulous and focused people out there who frown on what the world would perceive as dishonesty or a lack of purpose…”

So: is this book ever coming out? Is the whole thing a charade? It seems the early promise of Mr Kunene might be fading fast as regards real genuine contributions to literature.

The Mbali Literary Awards was a well-produced literary occasion which recognized the good work of writers, especially those contributing in a concrete manner to the world of letters, so to speak. Seeing a man of over 70 (Ntate Motheane) being honoured really warmed the heart.  I wish such awards could take place at least twice yearly…the sad truth is that too few talented writers are still being produced at grass roots level.

To end on a positive note, we can say: well, another new year is just around the corner…