Online Reporter
Mbulelo Mpofu [email protected]
THE literary legacy of late author, poet and cultural consultant Naison Tfwala has been brought back into focus following the posthumous launch of his book, Yikudla Lokhu, with his daughter, Zinzile Tfwala, describing the occasion as a fitting celebration of a man whose influence extended beyond writing.
Held in Bulawayo over the weekend, the launch brought together readers, scholars, librarians, educators, artistes and writers, reflecting the breadth of Tfwala’s influence during his lifetime.
For Zinzile, the occasion carried particular significance as she witnessed the publication of a work she had watched her father develop.
She said the book encouraged readers to look beyond the taste of food and consider its nutritional value and role in maintaining healthy bodies.
“The audience learnt that food is not about good taste, but the nutrition behind it that keeps our bodies strong and healthy,” Zinzile said.
During the event, a moment of silent was observed in honour of late illustrious authors who included Tfwala, Pathisa Nyathi, Ndabezinhle Sigogo, Nkosana Moyo, Mihla Sitsha and Ericah Gwetai.
Tfwala died on May 27, 2023, in Bulawayo, aged 74. Born on June 20, 1948, he was a prolific writer whose career spanned literature, education, editing, curriculum development and acting.
His published works included Akuqaqa Lazizwa Ukunuka, which was an Advanced Level Ndebele set book until 2015, and Umfukula Wenhlathu, which has been used as a teachers’ college study text.
Other works associated with his literary career include Perspectives, On the Brink of Society, The Sangweni Journey, Around the Fire: Folktales from Zimbabwe and Fractured Tapestry of a Mosaic, which was entered for the National Arts Merit Awards in 2022 in the Outstanding First Creative Published Work category.
Beyond his own writing, Tfwala contributed to anthologies and helped strengthen the work of other writers through editing and mentorship.
That side of his legacy was reflected by the presence of former students, colleagues, artistes and mentees at the launch.
Among those in attendances were some of Tfwala’s former teachers, who commented on his determination to further his education as an adult, attending night school after work until he completed and passed his O-level examinations.
The recollection highlighted a recurring theme in Tfwala’s life — education was not merely a qualification, but a lifelong pursuit.
The launch also featured musical entertainment from lecturer and longtime friend Bobo Dlamini, while a young artiste delivered a poetry performance, creating a bridge between Tfwala’s generation and emerging creatives.
Among the attendees were artiste M’Africa Kaz Sthà Dube and Dr Gasolo, whom Tfwala had mentored.
For Zinzile, one of the most meaningful moments came during the book review, when she joined editor and author Samantha Nunû to reflect on the period when her father was writing Yikudla Lokhu.
“It was a great moment sharing the past experience that I had with the late author, my father, when he was writing the book, Yikudla Lokhu,” she said.
The moment transformed the launch from merely a publishing event into a celebration of Tfwala’s life, work and enduring influence.
Tfwala was also a curriculum contributor, cultural consultant and television actor, appearing in local productions by ZBC TV and Intwasa.
He was active in the Zimbabwe Writers’ union and the Zimbabwe Academic and Non-Fiction Authors Association, where he served two terms as chairperson of the Bulawayo chapter between 2019 and 2022.
— @MbuleloMpofu
