A published author, Daisy Mbatha (26), released a new book, titled Imihlola Yami, in July.
This is a play about the trauma and secrets of a fictional family. It took Mbatha at least a year to write.
She said she hopes to produce a play based on the book in the future. She said she did not just want to write a book, but a play about the scenarios she has created in her imagination.
“Imihlola Yami is about the Shongwe family. They did not reveal certain information to their child, which secrets end up being on full display when the child falls pregnant and is about to get married. I believe what makes this play quite interesting, is that it is written in Siswati.”
She said she wanted to embrace her language and to encourage communities around her home in Masibekela in Nkomazi to read in Siswati. The storyline is fitted well onto 200 pages and has nine acts.
She said the ending is quite unexpected, but follows the writing style of the books used in schools.
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Mbatha said her dream is to have her book introduced in schools so that young learners can have a fresh new story for their literature subjects.
“I have started to engage with the Department of Education to get the book evaluated for their standards. I believe my book will make a difference in the education system, and also encourage learners to venture into writing their own,” she said.
Mbatha is passionate about writing and reading. This is her second book, following A Mother’s Sacrifice.
“I released my first book last year. I wrote it to honour mothers and mother figures, because they play a vital role in the household and communities. I also wanted to pay tribute to all women, young and old.”
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She said she always had a burning passion to write and be a published author.
Mbatha’s Imihlola Yami is available for purchase at R200 a copy. She can be contacted on 079 257 7345.
