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Founder of KwaziThina Publishers Reflects on Cultural Connections, Networking, and Plans for an Exciting Literary Event
Nomawele Njongo, the visionary behind KwaziThina Publishers, recently returned from a remarkable journey to Italy, where she attended the renowned Turin International Book Fair. As both an author and publisher, Nomawele embarked on this trip with a thirst for knowledge, aiming to gain valuable insights for her upcoming book fair. Invited in her capacity as a distinguished publisher, she eagerly embraced the opportunity to represent her company on an international stage. Departing on May 16th, this marked Nomawele’s first-ever international trip to showcase the accomplishments of KwaziThina Publishers, with only one other representative from South Africa accompanying her.
Nomawele’s adventure began with a sense of anticipation as she embarked on her international journey. While she is no stranger to travel, this was her maiden voyage beyond national borders, and she was uncertain about the number of attendees from South Africa. Nevertheless, she was under the impression that they would form a cohesive group. An interesting encounter occurred when Nomawele arrived in Paris, as she was approached by a lady who mistook her for a fellow traveler heading to the same destination. The KwaziThina Publishers branded jacket she was wearing piqued the lady’s interest.
Upon landing in Italy, Nomawele quickly realized that their hotel was conveniently situated near the book fair venue. Eager to immerse herself in the event, she took a leisurely stroll to explore the publisher stalls. Later, she attended the publisher’s cocktail event, which allowed her to connect with publishers and film directors from around the world, fostering valuable networking opportunities.
During her time at the book fair, Nomawele was struck by the way Italians cherish their culture, language, and identity. The event featured a multitude of partners, ranging from government entities to private sector organizations. It was a grand celebration, meticulously planned to accommodate participants of all ages, from enthusiastic children to avid readers. The sprawling venue, with its impressive stalls, gave the impression of permanence, and it was easy to get lost amidst the vastness. The atmosphere exuded seriousness and reverence for literature, emphasizing the significance of language as an essential aspect of one’s identity. Nomawele realized that speaking multiple languages does not necessarily equate to intelligence; rather, it is the pride one takes in their own language that truly matters.
Observing the Turin Book Fair’s success, Nomawele recognized the immense dedication and sacrifices made by countless individuals to ensure its triumph. To elevate South Africa’s literary scene to such heights, she believes that literature, languages, and heritage must be embraced with greater seriousness.
During one of the sessions, Nomawele had the pleasure of encountering Eugene Ebode, an author from Cameroon residing in Morocco. His eloquent speech in both French and an African language evoked a profound sense of connection within Nomawele. Witnessing someone like herself express their African heritage through language filled her with joy and reaffirmed the importance of fostering global networks and collaborations.
Looking to the future, Nomawele is excited to host her own literary event, the Funda Mpondo Literary Festival, on September 8th, coinciding with International Literacy Day. The festival will feature the inaugural KTP LIT Gala, an international gathering dedicated to promoting African literacy and fostering cultural exchange.
Nomawele Njongo’s experiences in Italy have not only left an indelible mark on her, but they have also provided invaluable insights and inspiration for her future endeavors. With KwaziThina Publishers poised to make a significant impact on the literary landscape.
