Ambassador Mavimbela releases his collection of poems
FOURWAYS - SOUTH African ambassador to Zimbabwe, Vusi Mavimbela, officially launched his book on 2 June at Montecasino in Fourways during a glittering ceremony attended by ANC heavyweights.
His collection of poems entitled, No Lullaby For My Country, is a modern-day odyssey that spans four decades of the poet’s probe into the meaning of life. The book is available in most bookshops.
The 105-page book is a collection of poems that reflect on his extensive worldwide travels and is an incisive commentary, praise and critique which tackles conventional beliefs.
Addressing guests during the launch of his book, Mavimbela, former director of the National Intelligence Agency, said his rare life experiences compelled him to write the poems.
Some of the guests included former communications minister Sphiwe Nyanda and former cabinet spokesman Joel Netshitenzhe. A Fourways social butterfly and Zimbabwean businessman, Mutumwa Mawere also graced the launch.
“My writing is informed by the desire to share my feelings and emotions with others,” said Mavimbela.
He also said his writing was influenced by Prof. Mongane Wally Serote, a renowned poet who scooped the Ingrid Jonker Prize in 1972 with his first collection of poems Yakhal’inkomo [The Cry of a Cow].
Mavimbela’s collection of poems has the capacity to lift the human spirit, and he interrogates decisions made by larger-than-life personalities of South Africa including, Nelson Mandela, Thabo Mbeki and many others.
During the launch, he paid tribute to his late friend Pakamile Mankahlana, who was known as Parks in media circles. Parks was the presidential spokesperson for both Mandela and Mbeki.
Mavimbela was born in Vryheid in KwaZulu-Natal. He holds a social sciences degree from the University of Natal.
