‘Books are dying, so is our identity’

Mthabisi Tshuma, Zimpapers Arts and Entertainment Hub

SOUTH AFRICA-BASED Zimbabwean author Mercy Muda has made a heartfelt appeal for support, highlighting the struggles faced by local writers, whose deeply personal works often end up gathering dust on bookstore shelves due to declining readership and limited support for the literary arts.

The Tsholotsho-born writer, affectionately known by her pen name MaJiyane, recently launched three books — Ngasohlangothini Olumnyama, Izehlakalo Zemvelo (Iqoqo Lezindatshana) and Whispers in the Dark — at an event held across the Limpopo. Yet despite such efforts, she says writers continue to face an uphill battle in reaching readers.

“Our biggest challenge as authors is selling our work. We publish books, host launches, and do all we can to reach readers, but people have lost the tradition of buying and reading hard copies. That culture must be revived — nothing beats the feel and smell of a real book,” MaJiyane said.

For the author, storytelling is more than a creative outlet; it is a mission to preserve culture and language.

“Language is identity. I want to ensure our culture and languages are not lost. Through my writing, I hope to preserve who we are as a people. Writers are keeping the light of knowledge alive. All we ask is for people to read, share, and support our stories, because when books die, so does our identity.”

Drawing inspiration from literary icons such as Barbara Makhalisa, Muda has spent years nurturing emerging talent through initiatives like the Matabeleland Writers Competition, which showcases youth voices. The competition, run in collaboration with Chefunye Social Association, brought together 12 young writers aged between 16 and 35, whose short stories were compiled into

Izehlakalo Zemvelo. During the launch, she also introduced the Community Development Awards to honour individuals making a positive impact in their communities.

But the journey, she admits, has been far from easy.

“Publishing is expensive, and a lack of financial support often discourages many talented writers.

We need sponsors and readers to keep our stories alive,” she said.

Muda’s growing catalogue, which includes Ngazigwazangowami (2016), Ngeke Ngixole (2023), Inzondo (2025), Ngasohlangothini Olumnyama (2025) and Whispers in the Dark (2025), captures everyday life, social struggles and community narratives. Her next project, expected before year-end, will explore men’s experiences of abuse — a subject often overlooked in mainstream discourse.