Minister Judith Ncube declares literary piracy a pandemic

BULAWAYO Provincial Affairs and Devolution Minister Judith Ncube, has likened piracy to a pandemic that poses a severe threat to the literary industry, potentially causing irreparable damage. She said this on Saturday during Ayanda Makhosazana Moyo’s debut book launch for Misfit at the Bulawayo Public Library.

Minister Ncube emphasised the importance of supporting emerging creative minds to assist them to grow. She lamented the common occurrence of book piracy following launches and urged the community to condemn such practices which were threatening the prosperity of Bulawayo’s literary landscape.

“We need to make a habit to support creative minds, especially those on the rise. This will be like fuel to their engine. Most of the time, when authors publish books, people buy books during the launch but then after that, those books are pirated and we need to shun such practices if we are to grow as Bulawayo,” said the Minister Ncube.

She commended Ayanda for addressing the issue of body shaming in her book and highlighted the damaging impact of societal discrimination based on physical appearance.

“Body shaming is shameful and we need to eradicate it. No one should be derogatorily treated. Everybody is different and that is something worth celebrating. I’m glad Ayanda has penned a book of triumph against social discrimination on physical grounds. We have lost artistic talent to this type of ill-treatment before,” said Minister Ncube.

The novel Misfit revolves around Amaya Blunt, a character who battles body shaming and low self-esteem. The story unfolds as Amaya seeks solace in a reopened library where she encounters an elderly woman who helps her develop her character.

Ayanda who was nominated for the Bulawayo Arts Awards in the Outstanding Literary Work (English) category, used the book to celebrate feminine physical beauty and diversity. She encourages individuals who have experienced body shaming to embrace their true selves and resist societal pressures.

“Everyone has an insecurity in some way, but we have to embrace who we are and not succumb to social pressures. I penned this book to encourage those body-shamed to stand up and embrace who they are,” said Ayanda.

In addition to her literary pursuits, Ayanda runs inspAYA, a clothing line that offers a variety of products.

Among those who attended the launch was Gift Chakuvinga, the creative director of the Centre for Talent Development.

Pascar Ncube, an IsiNdebele author who recently launched Imfihlo Yomndeni, presented a copy of his book to Minister Ncube. The event also featured discussions on body image, particularly the challenges faced by plus-size women who are often subjected to social ridicule. – @MbuleloMpofu