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Leroy Dzenga Herald Correspondent
An anthology written by 31 Zimbabwean women reflecting on the transition from colonial rule to independence will be launched in Harare this week.
The book, titled “Township Girls”, carries content from established names like Wynne Musabayana (current African Union head of communications) and Farai Mpofu, a communication expert in Zimbabwe.
Contributors shared their experiences and insights on the content creation process which resulted in diverse stories.
“When I got the invitation to contribute a piece to the anthology I saw it as a great opportunity to reminisce over my youth, while paying tribute to my parents who gave me a firm foundation in life,” Musabayana said.
Mpofu said the book gives a prelude to what life was like before the end of the colonial rule and how a newly independent Zimbabwe took shape.
“The contributors to this literary work share something not previously discussed or honed into an anecdotal account of what it meant to grow up in Rhodesia, and to experience the transition to black rule in Zimbabwe,” she said.
With the benefit of hindsight, this anthology offers a personal glimpse into events, and decisions made by parents and guardians, which moulded this unique cross over generation. It also offers tribute to the older generation.”
The book was born when former school friends Mpofu and Patience Mbofana Mavhima met at a former school, reminiscing over old days.
A plunge into the memory pool inspired the capturing of age old narratives which shaped the personalities they have grown into.
They rallied other women with stories to share and the book was the outcome.
It will be published by Weaver Press and Amazon.
Women-led literature has been on a positive trajectory in Zimbabwe this year, with revered novelists Panashe Chigumadzi and Tsitsi Dangarembga releasing novels “These Dry Bones Shall Rise” and “This Mournable Body” respectively.
Peter Tanyanyiwa
Online Reporter