A writer from Kwa Mvala location in Ngcobo, Mihlali Blackie (17), has been nominated for the Mzantsi Arts and Media Awards 2022 in the best writer category.
The awards will be held at Carousel Casino in Hammanskraal on September 10. She said she writes novels, plays, short stories, poems, and more.
Mihlali recently published her novel, titled Ukuzazi, Ukuzithemba, Nokuzamkela. She confirmed that she started writing while she was 13 and her writing career started when she won an essay-writing competition in Grade 7.
“I write because I want to make a change in society, to heal and to keep my mother tongue (isiXhosa) developing. I am an Avbob Poetry Winner of 2021. I am also a maiden girl and a member of a virgin society called Imbali Zase Kapa,” said Mihlali.
She added that she advises young girls to keep their virginity and get tested (ukuhlolwa) and they would be safe from pregnancy and sickness.
“Also, I’d advise youngsters who want to become writers to read books to sharpen their skills. They must never give up on their dreams because dreams do come true. If it was not for my family’s support, as well as teachers and other published writers, I would not have made it because they are the people who helped me get published.”
She thanked everyone who had been with her throughout her journey, and she hoped they would continue to support her. She asked people to vote for her by SMSing mamap 1412 to 47439. Cost for SMS will be R3,00.
