Pretty needs a pretty good favour
Local poet and author, Pretty Lehlogonolo Ramahlako is all out to get local authors’ work published. But he needs help.
Ramahlako is a published author of five genres. He hails from the rural village of Modjadji outside Tzaneen called Thibeng. He attended a two week workshop hosted by Business Arts South Africa (BASA). His first debut book was released in March 2012 whereby his recognition as one of the young South African writer was then recognised.
He was also featured on one of the most popular shows on SABC called Pasella for an interview.
Read: Tzaneen: Local artist pays a powerful tribute to #Thoriso – ‘Kwenze njani muntu’omnyama!’
Tzaneen and surrounds took note of Pretty after Letaba Herald published a poem that he wrote and posted on social media, after the tragic death of Thoriso Themane that was murdered in Polokwane in February. Pretty is not only good with putting hand to paper but also worked on an album with international artist Arthur Collier from Europe in 2018. He also collaborated with various artists like Dennias Mashegwane, AJ Mahladisa, Joel Elliot, Lief Peterson and many more, in creative writing and other developments.
His work includes “Azania poetry collection’ ‘The road’, Anthology of poems from the realm of the Rain Queen’, ‘Kalo ya Leleme’, ‘Kgotlompo ya leswiswi and ‘O IMIšITšWE ke mang?’ Ramahlako is now working on various ideas in expanding arts. He is the founding member of Lentswe Media Projects. Pretty is now setting out on this new venture to get local writers’ work published. “Due to a high number of manuscripts I received from emerging authors I am now seeking help in the form of sponsorship to produce the books,’ he told Herald. The local authors includes Monyela Masilo Moses, Lebogang Selokela, Mohale Poety.
They are all poets. Then Tiisetso Semosa who writes about Grammar and Thilly Matshwi that writes short stories, poetry, drama’s and motivational books.
Read: TZANEEN: Pretty sweet love for the arts…
Ramahlako’s main aim with this publication(s) is, “To get the public to read about the emotions of the poor fellows who are trying to find meanings in writing,” he said.
He assured Herald that the writers, sponsors and the public will benefit from this publication.
“Most of these local authors’ work have strong motives and messages to society,” Pretty said.
Pretty already foresees a big book launch. But Pretty’s aim is to take this dream into reality.
“To publish a book is expensive.This is why I’m looking for sponsors to help turn their dreams into reality. It is not about me, it is about them. They need to get the recognition they deserve,” he explained. He urged young writers to never give up on their dreams. “Don’t lose your passion for writing because of the hearsay about publishers robbing authors because you’ll never know until you’re there,” he urges.
Pretty invites anyone that would like to invest in this project to get in contact with him.
You can get in contact with Pretty on: 072-206-2081.
