LITERARY WORKSHOP SPARKS KUDOS

A distinguished writer and publisher of note, Pule Lechesa facilitated over an imaginative writing workshop held in Bloemfontein, Motheo College last weekend (Saturday, August 24). This well orchestrated one-day-workshop was held in collaboration with a National Arts Council sponsored company, Arts Amuse – company that promotes grassroots literature. Rita Chihawa (pix), supremo of Arts Amuse who is a well known poet herself was also in her element.

A group of well over thirty young budding writers, singers and actors from Thaba-Nchu and around Bloemfontein were agog with excitement as Mr Lechesa strutted his mentoring stuff. This literary protagonist and mentor who has published some eight books explained the importance of having the workshops. “We have realized that creative writing talent in the Free State Province is aplenty; however people do not know where to go with their manuscripts. Our aim is to help to rekindle their creative talents and to help those who has already finished their books get published,” said Lechesa. He also explained that he is touring around the province unearthing raw talent in the small towns that ‘are always pushed in the peripheral’ when it comes to talent development. “There are towns that we all know that talent scouts reckon are remote and hardly visit and those are towns that we will visit. I have in mind towns such as Clocolan, Thaba Phatsoa, Gariep, Excelsior and so forth.” Lechesa (pix) concluded by saying he is in talks with Sesotho Literary Museum curator, Ntate Tseliso Masolane on how can they roll out the projects promoting writing in indigenous languages.

One of the attendants, Rosalia Nkete gave her overall impression of the workshop, as she beamed with excitement. “Some workshops are always talk-shops hence I was debating with my twin sister (Rosa) whether to come or not. We do not regret coming to this one as it very was very informative. I enjoyed the part when he (Lechesa) was dealing with how a writer can unlock his/her creative juices at all times,” she explained, Rosalia added that henceforth she was going to put into practice advice from the facilitator that writers must keep a journal at all times as it helps jotting ideas down immediately as they come. “In the past I would have a brilliant idea while at school only to find that when I get home the idea is gone. I was beginning to doubt my creativity but he allayed my fears by saying I am experiencing what he called ‘Writer’s block’ which is common in most writers,’’ noted Rosalia. The workshop became lively when the participants were given a platform to showcase their own talent by reciting their poems and singing.

Book: KUNLE APANTAKU

Glittering Book Exhibitions for FS writers

It was a laudable literary occasion as an exhibition of Free State books took place at NALN in Bloemfontein. The event, dubbed the “Sesotho literature Museum in Dialogue’ took place last Friday (21st June) under the theme: “Free State Literature legacy - the case of Young Blood,” The occasion was graced by Department of Arts and Culture officials and its choir (DSACR Choir). Library services officials, Pansalb, authors and writers. The DSACR Choir entertained the guests before the starting of the actual programme, whilst the guests regaled themselves by basking in the books on display at the NALN auditorium. Big photos of well known writers were also displayed for attendees to know more about their literary icons. After the exhibition of books, Mr Montwedi Lebakeng, a conductor for the Choir led his charges for a final opening of the programme. Afterwards, the programme Director, Mr Tseliso Masolane (pix above) called Mr Mathene Mahanke, a deputy-director for Language Services to present a brief word on behalf of Mr V.S Khetha, the director for Heritage, Museums and Language Services. In his deliberations, Mr Mahanke advised local writers to hone their craft even more and improve fastidiously in the process. He said the exhibition was revelatory. “This is the beginning of very big things to come for our writers if they take this opportunity seriously,” Mr Masolane pointed out that Ntate Mahanke had played a pivotal role by laying remembrance stones of the history of the Museum back in 2006. Additionally, as a way of reviving the spirit of reading, Masolane read a poem from Staffriders poetry book, churned out by erstwhile great writers. There was an ‘open mic’ session for poetry renditions performed by proficient poets like Job Mzamo, “Magic” Khotseng, T. Cap and the precocious Dr Cool. Mme Dunne presented her speech on behalf of publishing houses. She answered questions from the floor about book publication and relevant processes to be followed. Such questions included why an author might be saddled with lesser benefits compared to publishers. Mr Mzamo encouraged publishers and writers to know their rights and responsibilities when they sign a contract. Mr Masolane played a screen video about the life and times of Mr. Thomas Mokopu Mofolo, one of the distinguished literary icons, to motivate burgeoning writers. Meanwhile, Mr Zak Montewa, acting Assistant Director at Provincial Museum, gave the vote of thanks. By Raselebeli Khotseng (Courtesy Free State News)

LECHESA: THIS IS BOON FOR F.S LITERATURE

There has been an astonishing output of published books in the Free State this year. Literary experts told Free State News this week that this phenomenon should not be considered as anything negative, but rather as a step in the right direction. Works published thus far have embraced so many genres; including fiction, poetry, literary criticism, and general studies. Pundits say this further confirms the tremendous progress Black writing continues to make in the Free State. But what about others who are uneasy with this development? “I think it is very much welcome,” renowned literary critic, Pule Lechesa, said. “We have come a very long way within a short time. “We must continue to move forward. I was a bit worried some years ago that the focus here was too much on poetry; but these days – especially this year - the process has become much more balanced and eclectic.” Lechesa added that he was not worried about the possibility of some of these published works being “sub-standard”. He said: “It’s pretty much the same all over the world, even in advanced Eurocentric societies. Some very good books are published, some are average, and some not-so-good or of terribly high literary quality. But books must always be churned out…the wheat will be separated from the chaff in the course of time,” “I am actually happy to see so many writers coming out and publishing. It is healthy and fecund,” he went on. “The confidence is there now. The sacrifices of the likes of Bolaji and Qoopane are bearing fruit now. Our people should read even more and more. It is paradoxical that book publishing is much more expensive now, yet more and more books are seeing the light of the day; this points to enlightenment on the part of the people,” But Lechesa admitted that he is indeed a bit worried about escalating costs of bringing books out. “Yes, that is something we have to deal with. Fewer people can buy books now and it is a pity the whole thing might even be moving along elitist lines…the ideal thing is for books to be affordable to most potential readers. Many fine readers of books now do say that they might not be able to afford to buy as many books as they would love to…but on the whole the situation is vibrant in the FS, with perceptive reviews, interviews, and the positive role of the libraries,” * Courtesy of Free State News

SECRETS by Matshidiso P. Taleng

Thami Moleko remembered

It was a sombre occasion interspersed with celebration as the late Thami Moleko was remembered fondly in the City of Roses. Speaker after speaker extolled his contributions to arts and culture during his rather brief life. The opening and welcome was done by the convivial MC, Icebound Makhele. After the official opening, Mr Mike Nthuping, a mentor to the late Moleko went down memory lane explaining how his talents blossomed under difficult circumstances as he was struggling to possess basic resources. He said: “I arranged with other comrades to assist him with basic needs such as food, transport and clothes. I was delighted later on to hear the many good things he went on to do for fellow artists including providing platforms for budding artists to express themselves,” Many other speakers described Thami as a man of his words, a man of integrity, a honest literary and arts giant who never reneged on his decision to appease his subordinates. The main memorial lecture was presented by Mr Kingdom Moshounyane, a lecturer from the University of Technology in Pretoria. “The life history of the late Thami was anchored on sacrifice and determination.” He took this opportunity to encourage artists also to remember other artists like Gilbert Modise who came before and after. The event was blessed with revolutionary poems by the likes of the iconic Jah-Rose, Hector Kunene, Charmaine Kolwane, Magic Khotseng and others. Jah Rose and Icebound fondly stated that they were part of those groomed by Thami. The vote of thanks was done by Charmaine. - Raselebeli Khotseng

CHARMAINE KOLWANE'S LATEST STUDY