MBUYAZI PUBLISHING

Striving for excellence in South African literature, Mbuyazi Publishing was established to champion the cause of isiZulu. With the simultaneous publishing of multiple titles, this independent publisher is putting its money where its mouth is.

At a time of great ambiguity, uncertainty and a lack of leadership around mother tongue education Mbuyazi Publishing has taken the bold step to declare that the time is now to “Think it. Say it. Do it – all in your mother tongue”.

As the brain child of Phiwayinkosi Mbuyazi, the intention for Mbuyazi Publishing is to be the springboard from which to launch “literature as well as education in indigenous languages that can stretch our thoughts, expand what we say and revolutionise what we do.”

Originally from the rural north coast of KwaZulu-Natal, Phiwayinkosi is an Oxford University graduate, economist, engineer, philosopher, columnist and crossword and Sudoku compiler for the Sunday Times isiZulu edition. His penchant for indigenous language saw him introduce some 450 new words into the Zulu language and develop a brand new isiZulu numbering system while writing Amayiphendleya – IsiQalo Sakho Konke, which will also be released in English under the title, The WIBY Kids – How It All Began.

This book tells the story of how four South African teenagers, Kwethu, Jo, Scott and Bobo, began their adventures of discovery in the world of what lies behind the technological wonders of the world today. It is an account of how everyone can cultivate a dream and an innovative mind, and how even teenagers can begin taking the necessary baby steps toward making a difference in their own world.

Other titles being released are Kanjalo Nje and Kusekhona Manjalo. These two books are a collection of a year’s worth of material that was produced for the Sunday Times – isiZulu edition.

In Kanjalo Nje (which means ‘Just Like That’), Phiwayinkosi’s column writings unpack the various aspects of his prognosis of ‘gravely ill’ and ‘terminally ill’ regarding the state of South Africa’s indigenous languages. He uses measured humour, anecdotes, and probing questions in presenting the ‘bad news’ and in cajoling and galvanising the indigenous language speaker into action. Kanjalo Nje will take readers on a tour that will give offer glimpses of how the classroom and the home contribute to the dire state of the indigenous languages; it will even move to the King’s court where an argument is presented for the revival of certain cultural practices to save and to revitalise isiZulu.

However, in Kusekhona Manjalo (‘Right Then – at that very moment’) he jettisons the predominantly complainant attitude of Kanjalo Nje and delves into subjects hitherto not widely written about (if at all) in isiZulu. In Kusekhona Manjalo, readers will find various aspects of philosophy (including truth and knowledge) discussed; learners at all levels will find inspiration in the insights shared with matriculants about the life immediately ahead of them after school; and there’s also an introduction to what promises to be a scintillating correspondence on sex education.

In both books the crossword puzzles are the first to be systematically created in isiZulu. The readers are challenged to sharpen their pencils and engage with their language and its words in ways never dreamt of before. The Sudoku puzzles are a bonus – they have been included because of their inherent quality of entertaining while imparting logical thinking skills.

The WIBY Kids – How It All Began is only available ONLINE in all major bookstores and retails for about R130.

The isiZulu titles, like the majority of other indigenous language books (and especially those that are not prescribed for the schools’ curriculum) are not available from any of the major bookstores. However, they can be ordered online from Quickfox.co.za. Alternatively, email info@mbuyazi.com to place an order.

Kanjalo Nje and Kusekhona Manjalo retail for R75 each, whereas Amayiphendleya – IsiQalo Sakho Konke retails for R120.