Vernac literature gets a boost
"Kwasukasukela is responding to a long term societal need."
DESPERATE for Zulu literature and frustrated by the lack of a variety on offer at their local Library, friends Xolile Zondi and Nolwazi Zuma started a local based Non-Profit Organistation, Kwasukasukela, an entity that produces vernacular literature.
According to both Zuma and Zondi, they started the organisation to ensure that their children had access to Zulu literature that served to empower them to not only hone their mother tongue, but simultaneously be proud of their Zulu heritage.
Both Zondi and Zuma agree that the need for more literature in vernacular offerings extends beyond just first language speakers – but in essence is for everyone.
“We live and work in a diverse country and we need to amplify this in our ability to converse efficiently with each other. If your home language is isiZulu and you are desperate for Zulu literature, chances are you are not likely to find many offerings at your local library,” said Zondi.
Echoing Zondi’ sentiments Zuma said: “I want to be able to have the choice of buying literature across a host of languages for children, for my friend’s children, irrespective of their mother tongues. Kwasukasukela is responding to a long term societal need and it will undoubtedly start a movement that will seek to spark a reinstated pride in truly celebrating our respective mother tongues. The holistic emphasis on creating literature in vernacular by virtue of the socio-economic impact, development of identity is strongly influenced by language and Kwasukasukela will endeavour to erase the impact of past injustices.”
To find out where you can gain access to the books, email via: sawubona@kwasukasukela.org.za.
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