A teacher from Lower Malepe-lepe Primary School in Tsolo, Iviwe Mathe, has supported three former learners from this school to publish their first Xhosa poetry book.
He said after he saw the passion they had for isiXhosa he decided to assist them to compile their poems and published their first book titled Ugadla.
Mathe confirmed that this book consists of 50 pages. The learners who took part in are Lihle Mkwambi, Siwaphiwe Mkwambi and Mandisinde Galawana – all of whom are in Grade 8 this year.
“Another learner who asked to join us was Esona Zikolo from Daluhlanga Senior Secondary School. I agreed because my aim is to support them. As I am teaching isiXhosa and I have a feeling that even though this language seems no longer important for our children, when they see this effort, they will know that it is very important,” said Mathe.
He added that they started compiling this book in June last year and it came out in December. It talks about the challenges that children are facing nowadays.
According to him, he would continue supporting these writers because he wants to ensure that this language is gaining its dignity again.
“I always encourage learners from my school to keep on writing poems and after that they show me so that I can see what I can do. I am also a writer so it is easy for all of us to show each other our work even though I am their teacher. I can confirm that I would be releasing another book with my Grade 7 learners. It would consist of short stories.”
- People who want to get copies of this book can contact Mathe on 078 355 2841.
