UNIZULU Book Club Programme hosted by the Department of English

The University of Zululand (UNIZULU) Department of English within the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences in collaboration with the UNIZULU Book Club recently hosted a fruitful book club programme in celebration of women’s month. They invited various scholars from Zululand areas to showcase their talents in poetry performances, book reviews and oral storytelling. The theme for the event was: “What does it mean to be a woman in South Africa in 2024?”.

In her capacity as event coordinator, Dr Frances Ringwood announced that she would shortly hand over the reins to her companion, UNIZULU Book Club Chairperson Nothando Mntambo. Dr Ringwood called English Lecturer Dr Vuyiswa Ndabayakhe to the platform to give her welcoming remarks. According to Dr Ndabayakhe, the event goals were to help African women to develop themselves as individuals, teach them about how to express themselves, and emphasise to young schoolgirls the value of reading. Among those who honoured the invitation were Dr Bongephiwe Myeni from the Department of African Languages and Culture and Professor Glenrose Jiyane, the head of the Department of Information Studies.

Speaking on behalf of deanery, Dr Jiyane expressed her delight at the schoolgirls’ passion for reading. She told them not to lose sight of the fact that they are women and to devote more time to their novels. She also said that in today’s environment, books can provide one with prominent figures and make life easier. “Through books, you can be strengthened. Through books, you can go for your goal. Through books, you can look and focus to your future to make things better from your surroundings,” said Prof Jiyane.

With her keynote address, Dr Myeni enhanced the significance of the event. She acknowledged some of the women who fought for women’s liberation. Among the names she mentioned was Winnie Madikizela Mandela, Sophie Williams and Helen Joseph. “To empower women is the only answer or solution in all women oppression. To empower women is [the] solution even in our communities and in our societies. If a woman is empowered, that home is alive,” Dr Myeni expressed.

Sphesihle Myeni from Dlamvuzo High School was the first of multiple presentations for the day. She reviewed a book, similar to Oratile Maake from Richem Secondary and Minenhle Thabethe from the UNIZULU Book Club, who both did book reviews.

Poetry recitals were held during the second session by Kufeziwe Sangweni from Dlangezwa High School, Nondumiso Buthelezi from the UNIZULU Book Club, Amahle Sithole from Khombindlela High School and Nomzamo Ntshangase from Ongoye High School.

Participants who rendered speeches were Abongiwe Buthelezi from Dlamvuzo High School, Owethu Nene from Ongoye High School, Lindelwa Mtungwa  from Khombindlela High School , Ayanda Qwabe from Thanduyise High School, Khanyisa Twani and Blessing Ntuli, both from the UNIZULU Book Club.

The Vote of thanks was given by Dr Blessing Phakathi, Department of English Lecturer. She extended her gratitude to the school teachers for honouring the event, the UNIZULU Book Club for organising such an amazing event and everyone who made the event a success.

   – Sbahle Dumakude