by Amy on May 9th, 2012
Nozuko Poni of Unbranded Truth spoke to Thando Mgqolozana, author of Hear Me Alone, about the controversies his writing often raises:
Nozuko Poni: Who is Thando Mgqolozana?
Thandi Mgqolozana: I’d like to think of myself as an ordinary, big hearted underachieving rural bumpkin who enjoys reading books and pretends to be writing stuff that other people may read, which they don’t.
NP: What is your earliest memory of literature?
TM: My maternal uncle was a teacher, and I say ‘was’ because I don’t know what he is now; possibly nothing, like my dad. So this guy was a teacher and read a lot. His big books, his name appended on the inside cover of all, were all over the place in our village home. You might imagine that I’m about to say he inspired me, he didn’t; I didn’t like him. But that’s my earliest memory of literature. At school I remember the title of a certain poem and its author. I think the musical way we began reciting the poem is what moved me; we said, ‘Children’s Rain Song, by Musaemura Bonas Zimunya…’ then I’d go blank. But then came the year, much later in school, when I read Troubled Waters by Joseph Diescho. This was in the final year of school. I read this book several times, for pleasure, and I have never stopped reading since then.
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by Amy on May 8th, 2012
Slow Motion author Andie Miller‘s short work of non-fiction, “From the Margins”, has been published in Itch. Read the piece in which Miller speaks to two domestic workers about the great lengths they (literally) go to using the dysfunctional Cape Town public transport system to reach their place of employment:
I have been wondering where Lovey got her name. A nickname, I assume, from an English-speaking person; perhaps an employer of her mother’s when she was a child. No, she enlightens me, it is short for her real name: Lovedalia. I hear ‘Lovedahlia’. After a flower, I think. How beautiful. Again, I couldn’t be further from the truth.
‘My mum was at Lovedale College in the Eastern Cape,’ she tells me. ‘And then my father proposed to her. And she didn’t want to get married because she wanted to study. She wanted to be a teacher. But in the old days, you know, if the man came and proposed marriage and went to your parents, you could never say no. And then she got married to my father, when she was in her second year of college. And then she was expecting a girl, me, and she called me Lovedalia.’
Lovedale has produced some famous names, including Thabo Mbeki and Chris Hani. Mbeki’s father Govan was named after William Govan, the Scottish missionary who was the first headmaster of the Lovedale Institute, as it was originally called. ‘But they would never allow you to study when you got married,’ says Lovey. ‘They would think that, when you married and then you study, you would be over your husband. Your knowledge… you would be brighter than your husband.’ Consequently Lovey’s mother never taught. She followed her husband to Cape Town, where he ‘was working at Lever Brothers, in Salt River, who make the Sunlight soap. He worked there from 1944 and he retired in 1986; at the same firm all his life.’ Lovey has been working as a domestic worker for forty-four years.
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by Amy on May 7th, 2012
The launch of Up in Arms: Pursuing Accountability for the Arms Deal in Parliament by Raenette Taljaard brought a large crowd of readers to The Book Lounge last week, all of them eager to hear the vibrant and witty discussion with Noseweek editor, Martin Welz.
Describing the book as necessary, Book Lounge proprietor Mervyn Sloman, said that Taljaard was not trying to score political points in this highly personal and honest account. He noted that her insider status as parliamentarian and actor in the unfolding drama at the time had given her a unique perspective.
Welz began by reading a passage from Up in Arms, an extract of correspondence between Taljaard and a defensive and outraged Thabo Mbeki spokesperson which Welz described as lying at the heart of the book. Mbeki was demanding an explanation of Taljaard’s serious allegations of corruption against well-known and prestigious transnational corporations and companies – amongst them British Aerospace, France’s Thomson CSF, Germany’s Blohm & Voss, Italy’s Augusta and Sweden’s Saab. She had taken bold steps to ensure that investigations would take place and was, in turn, accused of making personal attacks.
Welz then asked Taljaard to speak about the relationship between the arms industry and governments. Taljaard described how the awareness had strongly emerged of how most of these companies were ones in which their governments had a “golden share”. “If you look at the extent to which companies are drilling their foreign policy objectives in government through that golden share it stands to reason that there will always be a very close association. That’s the reason for the golden share because when you’re dealing with defence exports, you are effectively dealing with foreign policy. There will never be a time when one can separate companies from the strategic policy holders,” she said.
Welz and Taljaard continued to explore the multiple layers of intrigue and dimensions of complexity that describe the beleaguered arms deal, in a fascinating discussion that held the large audience in thrall. Questions from the audience were answered fielded with wry wit by the author who was at pains to underline that she is now a commissioner of the Independent Electoral Committee, which she described as “the political equivalent of celibacy”.
* * * * * * * *
Liesl Jobson tweeted from the launch using #livebooks:
* * * * * * * *
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by Amy on May 4th, 2012
Jacana has released a spine-chilling trailer for James Whyle’s debut novel, The Book of War. The novel, based on first-hand accounts of the 8th Xhosa War, tells the story of a boy who comes to manhood in the bloody cauldron of war:
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by Amy on May 3rd, 2012
Congratulations to Jenny Hatton and Joan Rankin who have won the 2012 Crystal Kite Member Choice Award (Africa region) for their book Finding Aunt Joan:
Finding Aunt Joan describes the drive with family (plus dog and mouse) crammed inside the car. Hugely amusing and perhaps the best of the three. Jenny Hatton’s text is simple, direct, easy to digest – ideal inspiration for some of Joan Rankin’s friendliest, most frantic set of illustrations. A delight for early readers.
The Lucy Books consist of three charming little square books which make a sort of sequence – the process of packing up one home, moving to the next, and enjoying life when you get there. Children will easily relate to the stories which reflect true to life events such as going on a journey, moving house and a visit to the beach. The rhythmic text of the Lucy books will help build children’s reading skills and confidence while they are absorbed by the humorous illustrations depicting Lucy and her family.
Full list of Crystal Kite Member Choice Awards 2012 Winners
Africa: Finding Aunt Joan: Jenny Hatton and Joan Rankin, Jacana Media
Australia: The Last Viking: Norman Jorgensen, Fremantle Press
California/Hawaii: Won Ton – A Cat Tale Told in Haiku: Lee Wardlaw, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers
Flordia/GA: Cleopatra’s Moon: Vicky Alvear Shecter, Arthur A Levine Books (Scholastic Press)
Kansas/LA: Between Shades of Gray: Ruta Sepetys, Philomel Books (Penguin Young Readers Group)
Middle East/Asia: Orchards: Holly Thompson, Delacorte Dell (Random House)
Minnesota/Iowa: Bluefish: Pat Schmatz, Candlewick Press
Nevada: Black & White: The Confrontation between Reverend Fred L Shuttlesworth and Eugene “Bull” Connor: Larry Brimner, Boyds Mills Press
New England: Pearl: Jo Knowles, Henry Holt Books for Young Readers Thelonious Mouse, Orel Protopopescu, Farrar, Straus & Giroux
PA/DE/NJ: The Absolute Value of Mike: Kathryn Erskine, Philomel Books (Penguin Young Readers Group)
Texas/OK: MINE! Patrice Barton, Random House Children’s Books
Americas: Witchlanders: Lena Coakley, Atheneum Books for Young Readers (Simon & Schuster)
UK/Europe: Dark Parties: Sara Grant, Little, Brown Books for Young Readers (Hachette Book Group USA)
Washington: The Friendship Doll: Kirby Larson, Delacorte Dell (Random House)
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by Amy on May 2nd, 2012
Stephanie Nieuwoudt spoke to Ashraf Kagee to find out more about his novel Khalil’s Journey, which recently won the 2011/12 European Union Literary Award. Kagee tells her that Khalil’s Journey is the story of “one man’s journey through the 20th century in which he experiences the two world wars, the Depression, the rock ’n’ roll era, the Soweto riots, the Information Scandal and the rise in terrorism”:
Professor Ashraf Kagee, from the Department of Psychology in the Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences at Stellenbosch University, is a highly esteemed researcher. But now he can add another feather to his cap – that of award-winning literary author.
Kagee won the 7th European Union Literary Award for non-published fiction for his novel, Khalil’s Journey (Jacana).
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by Amy on Apr 30th, 2012
Fanele, the Goethe Institut and the Shoe Shop Project invite you to participate in two events in Braamfontein in May, as part of the Shoe Shop Art and Walking Festival.
The opening of the Shoe Shop pop-up store on 2 May will feature performances by Stacy Hardy and Bettina Malcomess, and will include the launch of the Shoe Shop reader edited by Marie-Helene Gutberlet and Cara Snyman. On Sunday 6 May, join the Shoe Shop Parade and walk to the sounds of the Alexandra Field Band, from 6 de Beer Street to the Drill Hall.
See you there!
Event Details: Pop-up Store Opening
- Date: Wednesday, 02 May 2012
- Time: 4:00 PM
- Venue: Shoe Shop Pop-up Store,
6 de Beer Street
Braamfontein | Map
Event Details: Shoe Shop Parade
- Date: Sunday, 06 May 2012
- Time: 11:00 AM for 11:30 AM
- Venue: Shoe Shop Pop-up Store,
6 de Beer Street
Braamfontein | Map
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by Amy on Apr 30th, 2012
Award-winning photographer Jodi Bieber has been announced as one of fifteen finalists in the Johannesburg leg of TED‘s Worldwide Talent Search. The finalists will audition to take part in TED2013 – “The Young, The Wise, The Undiscovered” – at the MIAGI Centre for Music in Soweto on 3 May.
The legendary non-profit TED speaking platform has teamed up with TEDxSoweto to see which of 15 South African finalists will make the grade for TED2013. The candidates range from tech editor Toby Shapshak to photojournalist Jodi Bieber.
TED, the non-profit devoted to “Ideas Worth Spreading,” and the organisers of TEDx Soweto take pride in announcing today the finalists for TED’s Johannesburg Worldwide Talent Search event. Fifteen speakers, selected from applicants who submitted videos for consideration, will take the stage on 3rd May 2012 at MIAGI Music Centre in Soweto, Johannesburg to deliver 3-6 minutes talks before an audience comprised of the local TED community and TED directors.
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by Amy on Apr 30th, 2012
The 2012 Franschhoek Literary Festival takes place from 11 to 13 May. Jacana authors to look forward to at the festival include Richard de Nooy, McIntosh Polela, Andy Mason, Zapiro, James Whyle, Dianne Stewart, Ronnie Kasrils and Raenette Taljaard.
Friday 11 May
The Big Stick
11:30 – 12:30: Council Chamber
Sarah Lotz in conversation with Richard de Nooy (The Big Stick)
Growing Up
13:00 – 14:00: School Hall
John Maytham probes the very different childhoods of Binyavanga Wainaina (One Day I Will Write about This Place), McIntosh Polela (My Father, My Monster) and Chris van Wyk (Eggs to Lay, Chickens to Hatch)
The Midnight Oil Burners
13:00 – 14:00: Congregational Church
Ndumiso Ngcobo asks lawyer Petina Gappah (An Elegy for Easterly), architect Yewande Omotoso (Bom Boy) and translator Richard de Nooy how they manage to write books while working at something else all day.
Draw your Life, Publish your Self!
14:30 – 17:00: Library
Cartoon fundi Andy Mason (What’s So Funny?) conducts this triple-barrelled hands-on exploration of autobiographical comix, book art and self-publishing with Mahala e-publisher Andy Davis, auto-biographic novelist, Mogorosi Motshumi (Hard Rock) and Gifput book artist Su Opperman.
Gay Writing: Niche to Mainstream?
16:00 – 17:00: Church Hall
Robin Malan in conversation with Mark Behr (Kings of the Water), Peter Krummeck (Adam and Luke) and straight writer Richard de Nooy.
Prizewinning Poems
16:00 – 17:00: The Screening Room
Poets Dawn Garisch (Difficult Gifts) and Beverly Rycroft (Missing), winner and runner-up in last year’s EU Sol Plaatje competition, read and discuss their winning poems.
Saturday 12 May
Freedom of Information?
10:00 – 11:00: Church Hall
Brett Murray’s poster from the 80s says it all: SAVE THE PRESS. Mike Wills conducts what could be a post-mortem with Anton Harber (Diepsloot), Mandy Wiener (Killing Kebble), Mondli Makhanya and Zapiro (The Last Sushi).
Short and Savoury
10:00 – 11:00: Library
Colleen Higgs (Looking for Trouble) gets together with short story writers Diane Awerbuck (Cabin Fever), Meg Vandermerwe (This Place I Call Home) and James Whyle (The Book of War), winner of the 2011 SA PEN/Studizinski Literary Award for The Story.
State Secrets
13:00 – 14:00: Church Hall
Tim Butcher scrutinises the notorious arms deal and asks an important question: ‘Who exactly are our enemies?’ With Andrew Feinstein (The Shadow World), Raenette Taljaard (Up in Arms) and security specialist Antony Altbeker (Fruit of a Poisoned Tree).
What do Publishers want?
14:30 – 15:30: Council Chamber
Jeremy Boraine (Jonathan Ball) and line-up of fellow publishers – Terry Morris (Pan Macmillan), Bridget Impey (Jacana) and Frederik de Jager (Umuzi) – mull over the all-important question all
writers want to ask.
A Frontier War
14:30 – 15:30: The Screening Room
Mark Behr talks to James Whyle about his new novel, The Book of War, set during the War of the Prophet in the Eastern Cape in the mid-19th century.
Letting the Cat out of the Bag
16:00 – 17:00: Congregational Church
Michele Magwood asks Alexandra Fuller (Cocktail Hour Under the Tree of Forgetfulness) and McIntosh Polela how they deal with family and community dismay at the secrets they disclose in their autobiographies.
Sunday 13 May
Read SA!
10:00 – 11:00: Library
Zukiswa Wanner, KZN children’s author Dianne Stewart (Who’s Afraid of the Dark) and Patti McDonald, Avusa Education publisher, talk about the many positive efforts being made to encourage a culture of reading in SA.
The ANC 100 Years on
13:00 – 14:00: Council Chamber
Oscar van Heerden discusses the century’s achievements and disappointments with Achille Mbembe, Fiona Forde (An Inconvenient Youth) and Ronnie Kasrils (The Unlikely Secret Agent).
The Rise and Rise of True Crime
14:30 – 15:30: School Hall
Margie Orford talks real-life crime with forensic anthropologist Alan Morris (Missing and Murdered), Hawks spokesman McIntosh Polela and journalist Mandy Wiener.
Growing up: Joburg
14:30 – 15:30: Church Hall
Michele Magwood goes back to remembered city childhoods with Christopher Hope (Shooting Angels), Chris van Wyk, Steven Boykey Sidley (Entanglement) and Richard de Nooy.
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by Amy on Apr 30th, 2012
Joanne Fedler returns with her latest book, The Reunion:
Joanne Fedler, the bestselling author of Secret Mothers’ Business and When Hungry, Eat, is back to dazzle you with her latest offering.
Picking up where the international bestseller Secret Mothers’ Business left off, The Reunion is an insightful, funny and often biting read about the challenges women face as their bodies change, dreams fade and kids grow up. Ultimately, it explores what it means to be a good friend, a good person and a good mother, and suggests that all love is about learning to let go.
It’s been a long time since Jo, Helen, Ereka and CJ became friends through a mothers’ group, and some new faces have also been invited to their reunion. Over two days of eating and drinking intimacies are shared, marriage and motherhood discussed, and friendships – both old and new – are tested.
Many of the conversations in this book are adaptations of real conversations Joanne has had with her girlfriends or ones she’s overheard women having with each other in parks and hunched over shopping trolleys – examines how mothers face new challenges in their lives and change as their children grow up.
About the author
Joanne Fedler grew up in the heart of Joburg, studied law at Wits, set up Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre to end violence against women and worked on the Law Commission that drafted the Domestic Violence Act. She lived in Cape Town for three years before making the heart-wrenching decision to leave her homeland. After eleven years in Sydney with her husband and two children, she still speaks like a japie, eats biltong and boerewors and supports SA against Australia in rugby (to the extent that she supports rugby).
She teaches life-writing classes and takes women on writing adventures with Women’s Own Adventure. She is also a motivational speaker and has worked to raise money for abused women, breast cancer research, post-natal depression and children with special needs.
Her books have sold over 400 000 copies worldwide.
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