Liberty Dube
Entertainment Correspondent
MUTARE-BASED author and journalist, Penjeni Madzikangava, is preparing a new collection of literary works that will explore drug and substance abuse, theft, prostitution and other social vices affecting communities.
Madzikangava expects to complete the collection by January 2027, with working titles, including “Silhouettes Of Death”, “Down Memory Lane”, “Peeping Tom”, “Flames Of Hate”, “Scandalous Files”, “Spoiling For A Fight”, “House Of Horror” and “Harp Of Passion”.
The forthcoming works build on his two published novels, “Tears and Scars” and “Dungeon of Despair”, and his efforts to reach international audiences through publishing opportunities.
Madzikangava, who has worked in journalism since 1993, said writers has a responsibility to address social problems affecting young people.
“I feel it has to take collective effort as artists to address what is damaging lives of youths, especially nowadays.
“My two previous novels, “Tears and Scars” and “Dungeon of Despair”, are available on Amazon, and I believe that is an important starting point in reaching readers beyond our borders.
“I have spent many years sharpening my creative writing skills, experimenting with different forms of storytelling and developing manuscripts,” he said.
His literary career gained recognition in 2017 when his debut novel, “Tears and Scars”, received a National Arts Merit Awards (NAMA) nomination in the First Creative Published Fiction category.
He competed against Farai Mungoshi and Kelvin Mangwende, with Mungoshi, son of the late literary giant, Charles Mungoshi, winning the award. Madzikangava was the only nominee from Manicaland.
Published in 2016, Tears and Scars examines life under colonial rule in Rhodesia, exploring racial inequalities, poverty and the struggle for survival. Its sequel, “Dungeon of Despair”, explores relationships, poverty, infidelity and survival through interconnected human experiences.
Madzikangava has also developed other manuscripts, including the novels “Under Siege!” and “Picture On The Wall”, and short fiction titles, “The Riot Act” and “Echoes From The Ghetto”.
He said editors in Europe and Nigeria responded positively to the manuscripts, but contractual and financial challenges disrupted plans to publish some of the works between 2023 and 2024.
“Over the years I have been trying to break into the lucrative international creative stage. My novel manuscripts ‘Under Siege!’ and ‘Picture On The Wall’, as well as short fictions, ‘The Riot Act’ and ‘Echoes From The Ghetto’, were well received by editors from Europe and Nigeria.
“Unfortunately, contractual and financial constraints affected the prospects of publishing some of these works between 2023 and 2024. I have not allowed these setbacks to discourage me. I have a plethora of short fictions that I have been refining into gems, while my current projects are inspired by happenings in our society.
“I want to tell stories that people can relate to, stories that reflect the challenges confronting communities and the social issues that deserve attention,” he said.
Beyond his writing, Madzikangava has mentored emerging writers in Mutare, helped establish creative hubs at some schools and edited four books published by fellow Zimbabwean authors.
His interest in writing dates back to his schooldays at Rujeko Primary and Nyamauru High schools in Dangamvura respectively.
He later developed his writing through news features at New Ziana between 2014 and 2015, building on his journalism experience.
His professional career has also included work in education, retail, health and sports administration.
He currently serves as a provincial adjudicator with the Voluntary Media Council of Zimbabwe.
Madzikangava said creative writing allows him to explore social issues beyond the daily news cycle, using fiction to reflect experiences and challenges affecting communities.
Author takes on social ills in new literary works
