This comprehensive book touches on different aspects of life using Isimpondo, it invites people to pride themselves in speaking, reading and wring in their own language.
Some part of preserving culture and identity lies in the language of origin, Nzaliseko Manqina took the liberty of compiling short stories, poems, proverbs and sayings, including names of children written in Isimpondo. Nzaliseko says he started his research on the use of Isimpondo back in 2017 and finally started compiling the book at the beginning of the hard lockdown 2020. The book (SAKHELA PHEZU KWESISEKELO) was eventually got published in September 2021
SAKHELA PHEZU KWESISEKELO: Has short stories that can be read by parents to their children, which plays an important role in making sure that the children grow up knowing their language and that can contribute to them having pride in the use of their own language.
“Even though Isimpondo is not one of the South African official languages the owners of this language have worked hard in making sure it does not become non-existent,” said Nzaliseko Manqina
The author elaborated that the aim of this book is to make sure that the language is written down, which also serves as a point of reference for learning more about our native language. Nzaliseko says that he applied the use of proverbs and sayings to give a wealthier and compound use of the language because he believes that this book will open up a way for other authors to be brave enough to write in Isimpondo.
Nzaliseko Manqina says this book is looking at:
- Telling more stories in Isimpondo
- Reaching most Pondo land households
- Encourage the Youth to write, speak and read Isimpondo
- Encouraging local radio stations to have their short stories told in Isimpondo
- Pondo land diplomats to advocate for Isimpondo to be an official language
- Short films in Isimpondo
The author says he had challenges in finding the meaning of Isimpondo words on the internet which proves that the language is not recognised however, he also says that he received help from people who are more familiar with the language hence the success in writing the book.
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