New Book about Bolaji

Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga, the well known Bloemfontein based essayist, Pan-Africanist, critic, esssayist and intellectual has published his first book, titled Omoseye Bolaji: A voyage around his literary work. The book is the latest in a number of book-length studies published on the fecund writer, Omoseye Bolaji. Soqaga told Mangaung Issue: “I am happy the book finally came out at last. Bolaji has inspired so many writers and built so many of us with his powerful, diverse books.”

Mr Soqaga also disclosed that he had been working on the book for up to five years. “The protagonist in question (Bolaji) has published so many books and it is not easy to comprehensively evaluate and criticise them all. In the end I focused on about five, six of the books; with a general Overview” Meanwhile, critics and pundits are already hailing this new study across the board, likening it to renowned international studies on African writers over the years published by the likes of Gerald Moore, Dr Adele King, and Robert Fraser. But Soqaga himself humbly refuses to get carried away with all the praise. “I do not think my attempts can be likened to works churned out by those illustrious writers and critics,” he says. “But I am very flattered to even be mentioned in the same breath as such people. The reviews of my book I have been reading on the internet have all been very positive so far,” Literary critic, Pule Lechesa expressed delight over the publication of the book. “It’s great to see a book of real quality again,” he said. “Soqaga’s new book definitely adds cubits to the corpus of African critical writings. He took his time over the work and it shows,” - Report by T Masakala. First published in Mangaung Issue, 29 August 2012 edition. Page 6

OMOSEYE BOLAJI: A Voyage around his literary work. A new book by Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga

Excerpts here: "Yes, unashamedly I am Pan- Africanist who believes in Pan- African ideology, if then our forefathers were fighting for liberty of life therefore I must assert my opinion very sharply without favour or fear. I am born of African descent being raised in the continent that once experienced unfairness of life and suppression from other races and creed. I am the descendant of Khoisan, Xhosa, Sotho, Zulu, Yoruba, Shona, Tswana, Berbe etc. I am African and I do believe that’s how I must be perceived! I discern it as a rather intricate exercise to write about the author of many books such as Mr. Omoseye Bolaji, son of the late Mr. Simon Labanji Bolaji who also was an excellent writer. Is it a coincidence to know how Bolaji is connected with black literature? Although a superb and scintillating writer, I know he does not really believe in segregating literature or writing generally; as can be seen from the magnificent mixture of Eurocentric and African writings in his international columns. For a long time, Bolaji the writer has been a literary catalyst, a champion of literature who is involved in spreading awareness. As I write this, I am so delighted that a film documentary has been made about the great man. As a matter of fact I have been researching Omoseye Bolaji for some years now; but it has not been easy. It was actually a complicated task for me because I didn’t have a clue where to start considering his versatility, and the copious studies already published on him. I started as early as 2007,and meanwhile, a young writer like Hector Kunene was able to put together a solid book on Bolaji (2010) (Omoseye Bolaji: a voyage around his literary work - is a new book by Ishmael Mzwandile Soqaga)

I AM A RAPE SURVIVOR, NOT A VICTIM!!

Six years ago I got raped! This occurred at what was suppose to be at secure environment (at school to be precise) and all I could say then was; dreams which seemed to be coming true were shattered within a blink of an eye. This incident was never known till this point of sharing it with you. Perhaps I was too alarmed even confused. "Who would believe me?" I pondered in my thoughts, but, regardless of how I was feeling, the main reason which prompt my silence is that I was (and still) uncomfortable of how people would claim me as being a victim. I asked myself, "who is going to claim my survivorhood instead of my victimhood?" What happened to me can be viewed from many aspects. My story is one of forgiveness Claiming your worth Letting go of past incidents and holding on to the hope of tomorrow or however you might perceive it. What I learned from this experience might sound like a cliche but it's actually the truth. 1. I took 6 years to break the silence and forgive whereas I was oblivious to the fact that; forgiving your perpetrator will be like taking off a painful pair of shoes after walking in them the entire day. I don't know the anything about the two male persons who took away my innocence, but I know that nothing weighs heavily upon progress than a heart filled with grudges. Many are trapped in the prison of grudges due to people who have caused their lives to be a living hell. Grudges rob you of your sanity as you approach different stops of your life. 2. Letting go means I can look towards my future and new possibilities, hence rape is not me but it happened to me. Sipho Mnyakeni says: "my sisters, you are still in line for your personal greatness Seize it, Your future depends on you, Size it, Self-pitying is self destructive, Cease it, As the incident seeks to finish you Your will to survive will sustain you You are not defined by it You are greater than that ; I wish you could see what I see in your eyes, Hope lives, The future is safe, You are still in line for greatness SEIZE IT! Turn to the mental field of your youth Play again dream again believe again live again" 3. If you are still breathing then God hasn't given up on you. Your occupation is to persevere and your promotion will be victory. We all have the ability to see the brighter picture in our dark experiences. Break the silence and claim your survivorhood. This article is for all those women who have been denied the platform to say: "I was raped!" I know you. I feel you. I, too, was raped. And rape is NOT us. It just happened to us! By Reitumetse Mokhoantle

TOURISM CAN BE A CRUEL INDUSTRY By Mfundo Ngcangca

New book by Mfundo Ngcangca The tourism industry is one with many opportunities for entrepreneurs and the unemployed. It is well supported and encouraged in South Africa, but myself I decided to write a tell – all book about the pitfalls in the industry. Born and bred in Sterkspruit, today working for the Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs. I felt the need to put pen to paper when I noticed a growing trend within tourism. People have turned to be selfish. Fewer are sharing the big cake which is tourism. This multi-faceted , money spinning industry continues to hold many in its thrall. But instead of the tourism becoming full of employment opportunities which could grow in multiple directions, I noticed companies working alone instead of together. Certain sectors do not want to share with others, now the industry becomes cruel and affect all of us. For example, people in the transportation or hospitality sector want to own everything without utilizing or outsourcing other emerging entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurship is important to the growth of the tourism industry at large. It will present benefits for the individuals as well as the local economy. But operators are not interested in helping each other as well as the industry at large to grow. We are facing a situation of those who are trying to make a living from tourism industry but are affected by issues of xenophobia and in-sector fights. I want people to realize the industry is not an easy one, especially if one does not work hand in glove because it affects a lot the emerging ones. People must start synergizing aggressively, help one another to get lot of information and start marketing their products forcefully. The book entitled Tourism Can Be a Cruel Industry, is aimed at those who are interested in the industry , and especially those considering a career in tourism. Those who are interested in a book can always go to this website: www.newvoices.co.za

Paul Lothane gives his 2012 mid-term report on FS black literature

And here we are again, mid-term into the current year! And how has literature fared so far? At the end of last year I wrote a review of the literary trends in the Free State. I was happy to see my piece reproduced in other blogs, newspapers, and a particular overseas journal. This encouraged some to say to me - why don't you write another short piece on the first part of 2012 thus far? It must be made clear that I am only interested in what can pass for real literature - not books on religion, motivation, or massaging a puny ego. I have in mind works of fiction, poetry, or literary essays. Hence Pule Lechesa must be commended for the publication of Essays on Free State Black literature early this year. Suffice it to say that the work is world class. Early in the year Omoseyi Bolaji also published the 8th in the Tebogo series, Tebogo and the bacchae. As one would expect, countless excellent reviews and critiques of the book have appeared in many parts of the world already. The book, Free State of mind has also been a critical success. The poetic work is the brainchild of Nthabiseng JahRose Jafta, Rita Chihawa and Lebo Leisa. It is a great achievement that the book has attracted positive reviews from literary figures like Bolaji, Hector Kunene, Mathene Mahanke, Napo Masheane, Sabata Mpho Mokae, Mpikeleni Duma, etc George Rampai did very well to publish the novel, From where I stand. I have seen the book, and on a personal note it would be my choice for book of the year. But that is neither here nor there. Teboho Masakala also did well again to publish another work of fiction, The fall of Marcus Desmond - apparently another grim work ending in a reprehensible death. Thus far this year, I have not seen any sweeping, awe-inspiring, literary articles, although honourable mention can be made of three excellent book reviews – Lechesa’s review of From where I stand, and his review of Tebogo and the bacchae. Also, Mathene Mahanke’s appraisal of Free State of mind. We’ll see how the rest of the year goes... - P Lothane

XENOPHOBIA - the bugbear!

By O Bolaji Xenophobia. That is a word often uttered with bated breath by so many in South Africa. How do I feel about this, especially as a Nigerian, since apparently there is a strong bias against Nigerians by many? On a simplistic level, a genuine writer at heart cannot be xenophobic. Writers are generally broad minded, “citizens of the world” and click amidst each other immediately; eg SA writer Flaxman Qoopane’s closeness to me for decades. For years I have been what you might call a honorary member of many S.A writers’ families and houses, like the Mafikes, Motheanes, St George Vis, Lechesa, Rampai, Thaisi, Kunene, Nthejanes; and many others including white S.A writers. Actually, when people like me first came to live in S.A there was no xenophobia. I was given good, cheap accommodation in the townships from the outset, bed, furniture, regular gifts of food, provisions, and sometimes beer! (Laugh). Everybody wanted to be one’s friend and they were only too ready to help with small problems. I believe it is a fringe minority that revels in xenophobia, and not necessarily illiterates. I remember during the heart of the xenophobic attacks a few years ago, a simple man, seller of onions, oranges, etc threw his arms around me, crying. “I am ashamed of all this attacks my brother,” he said. “How can my people do this? We are not really like this.” Another guy that I used to meet occasionally at an eatery, wept buckets when he saw me. He cried so much that I was very worried and embarrassed. Then after a long time he told me this issue of xenophobia was breaking his heart... The thing is, if there is the perception that certain foreigners are involved in crime and nefarious activities, or specifically Nigerians, then the thing to do is round up such miscreants and lock them up; don’t tar everybody with the same odious brush. There are many criminals in South Africa, but that does not mean ALL the people are crooks! These unfortunate things are always perpetrated by a minority everywhere. It might well be that over the years, I have had another advantage that people have seen; that essentially I am a simple, fairly honest man, dedicated to arts. I have appeared in newspapers, magazines, countless times. Even those closest to me over the years, including more comfortable writers who visit me wherever I have stayed, become shocked when they see I hardly give a jot about material things, unless they are complements to writing and reading! Hence I have been flooded with gifts of computers, lap tops, phones, satellite TV etc over the years by South African artists of whatever colour I have stayed in the SA townships for many years, surrounded by love and respect, and that is the truth. People always come and tell me the latest stuff they have read about me from the media or internet. I remember a couple of years ago, a white journalist who was visiting me in the township was shocked to hear many young little boys and girls shouting – “Omoseye! Omoseye! This is Omoseye!” So at heart, from young ages people are often ‘good’ and friendly, though prejudices like xenophobia might afflict a few of them later on...

FILM DOCUMENTARY TO BE MADE ON BOLAJI

A special documentary is to be made covering the literary feats and galvanic achievements of outstanding writer Omoseye Bolaji. The renowned Big Fish School of filmmaking, via the award winning Little Pond production, in Gauteng is orchestrating the documentary, in their special documentaries on provincial artists and authors. Winnie Mokhomo of the film-making firm says: “I saw all Mr Bolaji’s books and read every book review about them on the internet. And there are two aspects that caught my eye and I was interested to include them in the documentary, which is “People of the townships” and the Tebogo Mystery” series. The documentary will include the literary journey of Bolaji, reaching a crescendo when he was honoured by both the UFS and when he garnered a major Chieftaincy title; and also about the books of the celebrated author. Winnie added: “The documentary will also be about how Bolaji has inspired many people and his role in the community. It’s obvious that he has had a great impact in the community because of his achievements... it would be a great honour to do this documentary about him”. The script for the documentary is already being fine-tuned in Johannesburg, after initial trips to Bloemfontein by the documentary team to talk to Bolaji and other key literary figures in the province. The pivotal role played by the FS Provincial Library system will be highlighted in the documentary. Also expected to feature in the documentary are key FS writers like Lebohang Thaisi, Flaxman Qoopane, Pule Lechesa, and Hector Kunene Pule Lechesa, who has been liaising with the documentary team said: “It’s exhilarating times again...it is no longer news that FS Black literature is world famous with literary protagonists always checking on what is happening here. Omoseye Bolaji has played an extraordinary role in this miracle over the years and it is gratifying that this special international documentary will mainly focus on him,” Bolaji’s celebrated books over the years include Impossible love (2000), The ghostly adversary (2001), Thoughts on FS Writing (2002), People of the townships (2003), Molebogeng A Mokhuoa (2004), The subtle transgressor (2006), Tebogo and the haka (2008), Tebogo and the epithalamion (2009), Tebogo and the pantophagist (2010) and Tebogo and the bacchae (2012)