Chronicle Editor
Blessing Karubwa, Showbiz Writer
A Zimbabwean author based in South Africa has achieved an impressive milestone by winning five consecutive Barbara Clara Makhalisa Nkala Literary Trust (BCMNLT) awards.
The BCMNLT, founded by the renowned multilingual author Barbara Clara Makhalisa Nkala, celebrates the power of the written word in isiNdebele. One of its flagship initiatives is the “Umncintiswano Wokuloba Indatshana Emfitshane NgesiNdebele” competition, which translates to “Short Story Writing Competition in Ndebele”.
This competition has become a beacon of hope for aspiring authors seeking to breathe new life into their beloved language.
For Meluleki Sibanda, this competition has become a familiar territory, as he has consistently emerged as the top winner in each contest.
“I’m extremely excited,” Sibanda said. “This is the fifth consecutive time I have won in a BCMNLT competition, coming first in all of them. Actually, I can say it’s the sixth time because I won a double prize for children’s stories (Grades 1-3 and 4-7).”
Sibanda’s winning streak began in 2021 with his short story titled “Izigigaba zeCovid-19 Lodonsi Lwayo”. He then claimed a double prize in 2023 for the “Umncintiswano Wokubhala Izindaba Zabantwana” competition and, most recently, won the “Umncintiswano Wokubhala Izindatshana Ezimfitshane” in 2024.
Despite his consistent success, Sibanda remains humble and focused on improving his craft. “I don’t rest on my laurels or become overconfident as a writer; I always strive to work even harder,” he shared.
He encouraged other writers to participate in narrative writing contests, emphasising that doing so enhances their writing skills. “Writers should be humble to improve their talents,” Sibanda added.
Revealing his future ambitions, he said: “I plan to venture into scriptwriting. I want my works to be seen on television. As writers, we need to create more Ndebele dramas, telenovelas, or even movies. People should be entertained, educated, and informed through our stories. I believe some of my books can easily be adapted into dramas.”
He went on to highlight the importance of humility in a writer’s journey. “A writer needs to be open to constructive criticism. Some writers shy away from it, but we all need it to grow. You can’t just be happy with praise. We all make mistakes – it’s part of being human. If readers analyse your work, be open to both criticism and praise,” he advised.
Born and raised in Nhlupo, Matobo District, Matabeleland South Province, Sibanda’s talent continues to gain recognition.
Last year, his isiNdebele novel “Akugwatshwa Ngokuzala” was selected as one of the Advanced Level Literature in Ndebele set books for the November 2025 to November 2027 examinations under the Drama section. – @TeamKarubwa
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