Kenyan-based author launches books in Harare

This is the very first time that local readers will get to meet Zukiswa Wanner who is half Zimbabwean and was educated in the country. She is now based in Kenya.
Wanner is a writer who has risen to a place of note through her works which are character-driven social observations. She takes the reader through the challenges and triumphs of people who could be that work colleague, a church mate or a sibling. Her characters are totally believable in their disappointments and success.

Her first book, The Madams, was shortlisted for the South African Literary Award and her third novel, Men of the South was shortlisted for the Commonwealth Best Book Africa Region. Her second books is called Behind All Successful Men

Zimbabwe is featured in The Madams when one of the main characters escapes to the Victoria Falls to get away from marital problems. In Men of The South one of the main characters is Tinaye a Zimbabwean working in SA.

Wanner’s launch will be facilitated by Guardian Prize winning author Petina Gappah. A brief dramatization of one of the books by some of Harare’s acting fraternity
“As a literary artist, I thought it was important to show how the different art forms can work together and the best way to show this was to highlight it at my long overdue launch in the country that raised me,” Wanner said in an interview with The Herald yesterday.

With her effortless flow of English with its unmistakable local flavour that most Zimbabweans will find resonance with, Wanner’s identity is bound to become a contested territory between the two countries that produced her. But the writer says she sees no conflict in her mixed heritage:

“Zimbabwe gave birth to me and raised me. South Africa with its immense diversity has been a source of artistic inspiration. I would not have been able to use that inspiration without the benefit of the Zimbabwean education system which I went through.

“The fact that I speak the languages of both countries perfectly also makes my movement between the two countries totally seamless. I guess I am just an African because I have also found a third home in Kenya where I live.”

The show is slotted for 19:30hours. There will be a cover charge of $10 and a special launch price for either of the books at five dollars a copy.