LEBOHANG THAISI (Poet and Essayist)

TIISETSO M. THIBA (Poet and short story-writer)

Bolaji's WINDMILLS OF THE DAMES

Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga reviews FOR THE LOVE OF WORDS

(Compiled by writers of the Eclectic Writers’ Club) First published May 2001 (Drufoma) Review by Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga One of the fundamental things about African literature is its genuine interest to position African literature on the world map. When the book “Things Fall Apart” by Chinua Achebe came out the world of literature was earnestly flabbergasted. In the literary genre African writers over the years were and are still able to produce sundry literature. The likes of Herbert Dlomo, R.R.R Dlhomo, Peter Abrahams, Thomas Mofolo, Amos Tutuola, Ousmane Sembene are most sublime African writers who evince the great interest in writing. Substantially, it is completely requisite to understand how elegant this prodigious African literary pioneers and catalyst of African literature were. Today it is very sad to see how outstanding black writers are leaving this world; latterly the renowned Maya Angelou passed away. A very great black African -American writer. Recently, Obi B Egbuna has also passed away, following on the heels of revered Chinua Achebe. While this sad reality is happening Africa is reeling with great sorrow but at the very same time is equally important to appreciates those who are still alive and literary vibrant. In reading For the love of words a small book published by Drufoma one will invariably have a strong desire to read it again. The book deals with many aspects that are pertinent to literature. On the forefront is the Eclectic Writers Club. The Club deserved the immense plaudits because of the stunning work it had display in the grassroots literature in the Free State. The Club was founded by veritable and scintillating prolific African writers, catalysts of black African literature in the Free State. Initiated over a decade ago and it has been playing a very significant role as the exponent of black literature in the Free State Township. The founding members are Flaxman Qoopane and O Bolaji. As I have indicated previously that the role of the club was deeply focused on different genres of literature even at its early stage. Specifically, it managed to produce exquisite poets from the grassroots level, like the then precocious Mr Thaisi. The book gives a splendid impression about the following bards: Flaxman Qoopane, Tiisetso Makhele, Mr Bolaji, Lebohang Thaisi, Job Mzamo and Teboho Mohanoe. Essentially, each bard has the fascinating - succinct poetical biographies. For instance Qoopane started writing poetry in 1979, Tiisetso Makhele started to write poetry in 1993 when he was fourteen years old. His first poem was titled Heavens Be My Witness. At 17 Makhele won the CNA Poetry Awards. Bolaji describes himself as an “occasional poet.” When this book came out he had managed to publish several thought- provoking poems though’ in newspaper magazines and in his book, Fillets of Plaice. Notwithstanding, the Club was very stimulating and creative. All its literary members were able to demonstrate the writing ability that was exceptionally remarkable.In particularly when it comes to launching of books the club was excellent. “Surprisingly, in South Africa Book launches seem to be not so popular like for instance in countries like France, the US or the Great Britain. In South Africa, Book Launches often lack the glamour and the glitz that are usually associated with such prestigious occasion.” But nevertheless, these writers were dramatically energetic, absolutely resolute to make wonderful impact on the growth of Free State literature. They were early catalysts for the now world respected black Free State literature. For example at the book launch of Job Mzamo, celebrated poet, when he launched his collection of Pride of my Heart, there were journalists, and reporters from newspapers like Die Volksblad and Express and personnel representing National T.v. stations like E- T.V. Clearly, it is really staggering to know that in those early stages these writers were not actually familiar with other things that were pertinent to literature. There were completely uncertain about how their books should be accepted in the library. It is quite interesting to read how they express their sentiments about their books being admitted into the libraries. First and foremost Flaxman Qoopane recalls “The process is more difficult than one could have imagined. I remember submitting copies of A Poet Abroad and Fillets of Plaice to the (Free State) Provincial libraries. At that time I did not realise that: 1. A selection committee had to go through the books first 2. The books had to be submitted via someone, a firm that had a contract with the library service. Once members had heard about the selection committee, in the beginning they were filled with dread. All sorts of stories were flying around; but subsequently their books were ordered in large numbers by the Free State library services. Now such books run into thousands in the libraries. The Club was capable to submit their literary piece of written materials to the local newspapers and local magazine. Furthermore, they were more able to link with local print media publicity. Imperatively, they were also capable to organize the Award Nite events. And so on 2 December 2000 an air of festivity descended on the Bloemfontein townships, especially at Phahameng where the Awards were announced and handed out. The young lady members were gaily dressed, exhilarated and brought other people along to witness the occasion. Journalists were present from the beleaguered local radio station – BBT – a few journalists were also represented. The Club was not an indolent club that only sought fame and pursued money. The verve and the rosy ideas of the Club memberswere superbly tremendous. Significantly, by appearing on the National T.V was a clear accomplishment of the goal of the Club. On 20 March 2001 the documentary/ programme was flighted on E-T.V, during the 7-8 comprehensive news bulletin in the evening. It was titled: “For The Love of Words,” Mr Roger Lucey presenter of E- Arts starts by saying: “A group of writers form the townships of Bloemfontein have discovered the power of the written word. Many of them have not even completed their primary education (sic) but that is not going to stop them from becoming published authors.” It is absolutely fantastic to learn about how eclectic Writers Club was so determined to achieve a lot form literature. This is awesome and fillip to young writers. It is interesting that when the book (For Love of Words) was published, there were so many younger writers nowhere on the literary scene - writers such as Pule Lechesa, Jah Rose, Hector Kunene, Maxwell Kanemanyanga, Masakala, Matshidiso Taleng, George Rampai etc. For the love of words gives an early, vibrant account of how literature began to gather pace in the Free State...