{"id":522,"date":"2014-06-07T19:26:00","date_gmt":"2014-06-07T19:26:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/mrmushava.wordpress.com\/2014\/06\/07\/zibf-31-promises-and-perils\/"},"modified":"2026-10-25T14:31:50","modified_gmt":"2026-10-25T14:31:50","slug":"zibf-31-promises-and-perils","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blockspaceballads.com\/?p=522","title":{"rendered":"ZIBF @ 31: Promises and Perils"},"content":{"rendered":"\n\n\n\n
<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Charles Mungoshi<\/b><\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n
The Zimbabwe International Book Fair spread its turf to Bulawayo last weekend for the regional edition of the festival.<\/span><\/div>\n
The book fair ran under the theme \u201cIndigenous Languages, Literature, Art and Knowledge Systems of Africa\u201d at the City Hall. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Writers, publishers, librarians, and booksellers at the workshop engaged the theme with a varied range of responses \u2013 clich\u00e9, activism, wit, humour, graphic facility and sleep-inducing lectures \u2013 as can be expected of middle-aged academics.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Exhibitions, which ran concurrently with the workshop, were highly subscribed, marking a considerable improvement from previous fairs.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
The Literary Evening, which was first introduced during the main book fair in Harare, last year also revealed signs of life in the embattled book sector.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Over the past few years, ZIBF has been trying to reclaim its billing as Africa\u2019s premier literary festival. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Notable feats have been scored in this regard but significant headway will depend on the fair negotiating its way out of several challenges.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
It is pertinent both to credit the accomplishments and fault the stagnancy of the book fair, chiefly its alienation from the digital loop, with a view of optimising its potential.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Equally key is confronting the language problem which was the object of deliberation at the just-ended fair. The sector must be seen to move along with the resolutions <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Despite its ephemeral nature, being an annual festival, ZIBF provides a window into the state of Zimbabwean writing and remains the foremost literary institution.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Its slouch towards obscurity in recent years reflected the virtual dysfunction of the book value chain. With the industry in recovery mode, ZIBF has registered a decisive comeback with a national crusade targeting all major cities.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Dependence on offshore donors in the absence of homegrown support, however, spells jeopardy for the festival. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Last minute evasiveness by the usual donors almost threw the regional fair into disarray. Local stakeholders are on call to support the book sector.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Presenters grappled with issues such as \u201cTraditional Arts as Intellectual Property,\u201d \u201cWriting and Publishing in Indigenous Languages,\u201d \u201cThe Importance of Indeginous Knowledge Literature\u201d and \u201cFolk Tales, Riddles and Proverbs as Indicators of Social Values.\u201d<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Godfrey Muyambo noted that the new constitution gives every author of any language a sense of belonging, in light of the ratification of the sixteen indigenous languages. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Zimbabwe\u2019s constitution recognises Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa as official languages.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cThat is the starting point for the indigenous writer; that the way has been paved for writings to be acknowledged,\u201d Muyambo said,<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cThis is an opportunity that has to be embraced by all writers, in particular those who write in indigenous languages as the thirst for material is definitely there. Even publishers are eagerly waiting for material in these languages and so are the various learning institutions,\u201d Muyambo said. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
During the main book fair last year, Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora announced government plans to incentivise authors writing for the ECD curriculum.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Silindile Moyo and Sibongile Jele pointed out the need to write in different languages from the ethnic cross-section, with special reference to our own African experiences. <\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
They invoked the example of South Africa\u2019s Indigenous Life Public Project which was entered into force by the government to publish books in different languages by writers from different ethnic backgrounds.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Other participants bemoaned publishers\u2019 apathy to new writing and urged government to come aboard with the requisite funding lest the imperative remain a pipe dream.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cThe Literature Bureau has to be resuscitated to enable the production of new literature. Publishers in indigenous languages can receive incentives like subsidies and tax reduction,\u201d said Noma Moyo, an editor with the College Press.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cInclusion of categories for indigenous language works in book awards such as NAMA and the ZBPA Literary Awards would go a long way in encouraging authors to write in indigenous languages.<\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cIn Nigeria the introduction of the Karaye Book Prize for literature written in Hausa language has played a significant role in encouraging authors to write in the language and has seen more Hausa works published,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/div>\n
Sifundo Nkomo and Anita Malumisa hinted on the prospect of 90% of the world\u2019s languages being replaced by dominant languages by the end of the 21st<\/sup> century, thereby reducing the number of languages from 7,000 to less than 700.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cIt is vital for children to read in indigenous languages so that these languages would not be endangered or replaced by the English language. This means that writers should write in indigenous languages so that these children have materials to read in their own languages,\u201d they urged.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Bulawayo-based AmaBooks crowned the discussions with the launch of a short fiction anthology translation called \u201cSiqondephi Manje? Indatshana zaseZimbabwe\u201d from stories culled the Short Wrings series.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
The anthology, featuring stories by Raisedon Baya, NoViolet Bulawayo, Diana Charsley, Clement Chihota, Mzana Mthimululu and several others, was edited by Jane Morris and translated by Thabisani Ndlovu. <\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
At its height, ZIBF used draw in such literary notables as Cyprian Ekwensi, Ngugi WaThiongo, Migere Mugo, Louis Bernado Honwana, Kole Omotoso and Chinua Achebe.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cThe book fair and the workshops were richly subscribed from across the continent. The best books in Africa were on display,\u201d ZIBF co-founder Phylis Johnson told the delegates during the indaba<\/span> <\/span>last year.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Johnson emphasised the importance of digital publishing \u2013 one area concerning which most Zimbabwean publishers have been grossly negligent.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cMoving with the times into technology and digital publishing is essential for the survival of the industry, or we will lose the content battle for young African hearts and minds who want to know who they are,\u201d Johnson said.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
\u201cThat is a challenge not only to the ZIBF but also to the writers and publishing industry. Sustaining and strengthening all of the links in the publishing chain right through printing and distribution, is important to us here in Zimbabwe, where this vital, competitive publishing industry is admired in other countries who do not have this luxury of working together to develop education and youth, literature for children and adults,\u201d she said.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Inferably, the early success of the ZIBF was made possible by exploiting every tool at the organisers\u2019 disposal. With the digital migration of readers from being citizens to being \u2018netizens,\u2019 the need for an all-out digital outreach cannot be played down.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
I asked a major publisher why his organisation does not have a website and he told me that publishing is pure capitalism. \u201cIf anything doesn\u2019t bring in more profit, why bother about it?\u201d he said.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
With such thinking prevalent in our foremost literary institutions, it comes as no surprise that few locally published writers have amounted to international acclaim.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n
Consistent support from the corporate sector and the government is also critically needed. Last year, ZIBF organisers announced a fistful of resolutions including national book awards and piracy-busting measures which could be indefinitely stalled if support is not forthcoming.<\/span><\/span><\/div>\n

<\/p>\n

ZIBF was incepted in 1983 with Johnson, her husband, the late David Martin, and the legendary Charles Mungoshi as the founding directors.<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Charles Mungoshi The Zimbabwe International Book Fair spread its turf to Bulawayo last weekend for the regional edition of the festival. The book fair ran under the theme \u201cIndigenous Languages, Literature, Art and Knowledge Systems of Africa\u201d at the City Hall. Writers, publishers, librarians, and booksellers at the workshop engaged the theme with a varied range of responses \u2013 clich\u00e9, activism, wit, humour, graphic facility and sleep-inducing lectures \u2013 as can be expected of middle-aged academics. Exhibitions, which ran concurrently with the workshop, were highly subscribed, marking a considerable improvement from previous fairs. The Literary Evening, which was first introduced during the main book fair in Harare, last year also revealed signs of life in the embattled book sector. Over the past few years, ZIBF has been trying to reclaim its billing as Africa\u2019s premier literary festival. Notable feats have been scored in this regard but significant headway will depend on the fair negotiating its way out of several challenges. It is pertinent both to credit the accomplishments and fault the stagnancy of the book fair, chiefly its alienation from the digital loop, with a view of optimising its potential. Equally key is confronting the language problem which was the object of deliberation at the just-ended fair. The sector must be seen to move along with the resolutions Despite its ephemeral nature, being an annual festival, ZIBF provides a window into the state of Zimbabwean writing and remains the foremost literary institution. Its slouch towards obscurity in recent years reflected the virtual dysfunction of the book value chain. With the industry in recovery mode, ZIBF has registered a decisive comeback with a national crusade targeting all major cities. Dependence on offshore donors in the absence of homegrown support, however, spells jeopardy for the festival. Last minute evasiveness by the usual donors almost threw the regional fair into disarray. Local stakeholders are on call to support the book sector. Presenters grappled with issues such as \u201cTraditional Arts as Intellectual Property,\u201d \u201cWriting and Publishing in Indigenous Languages,\u201d \u201cThe Importance of Indeginous Knowledge Literature\u201d and \u201cFolk Tales, Riddles and Proverbs as Indicators of Social Values.\u201d Godfrey Muyambo noted that the new constitution gives every author of any language a sense of belonging, in light of the ratification of the sixteen indigenous languages. Zimbabwe\u2019s constitution recognises Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa as official languages. \u201cThat is the starting point for the indigenous writer; that the way has been paved for writings to be acknowledged,\u201d Muyambo said, \u201cThis is an opportunity that has to be embraced by all writers, in particular those who write in indigenous languages as the thirst for material is definitely there. Even publishers are eagerly waiting for material in these languages and so are the various learning institutions,\u201d Muyambo said. During the main book fair last year, Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora announced government plans to incentivise authors writing for the ECD curriculum. Silindile Moyo and Sibongile Jele pointed out the need to write in different languages from the ethnic cross-section, with special reference to our own African experiences. They invoked the example of South Africa\u2019s Indigenous Life Public Project which was entered into force by the government to publish books in different languages by writers from different ethnic backgrounds. Other participants bemoaned publishers\u2019 apathy to new writing and urged government to come aboard with the requisite funding lest the imperative remain a pipe dream. \u201cThe Literature Bureau has to be resuscitated to enable the production of new literature. Publishers in indigenous languages can receive incentives like subsidies and tax reduction,\u201d said Noma Moyo, an editor with the College Press. \u201cInclusion of categories for indigenous language works in book awards such as NAMA and the ZBPA Literary Awards would go a long way in encouraging authors to write in indigenous languages. \u201cIn Nigeria the introduction of the Karaye Book Prize for literature written in Hausa language has played a significant role in encouraging authors to write in the language and has seen more Hausa works published,\u201d she said. Sifundo Nkomo and Anita Malumisa hinted on the prospect of 90% of the world\u2019s languages being replaced by dominant languages by the end of the 21st century, thereby reducing the number of languages from 7,000 to less than 700. \u201cIt is vital for children to read in indigenous languages so that these languages would not be endangered or replaced by the English language. This means that writers should write in indigenous languages so that these children have materials to read in their own languages,\u201d they urged. Bulawayo-based AmaBooks crowned the discussions with the launch of a short fiction anthology translation called \u201cSiqondephi Manje? Indatshana zaseZimbabwe\u201d from stories culled the Short Wrings series. The anthology, featuring stories by Raisedon Baya, NoViolet Bulawayo, Diana Charsley, Clement Chihota, Mzana Mthimululu and several others, was edited by Jane Morris and translated by Thabisani Ndlovu. At its height, ZIBF used draw in such literary notables as Cyprian Ekwensi, Ngugi WaThiongo, Migere Mugo, Louis Bernado Honwana, Kole Omotoso and Chinua Achebe. \u201cThe book fair and the workshops were richly subscribed from across the continent. The best books in Africa were on display,\u201d ZIBF co-founder Phylis Johnson told the delegates during the indaba last year. Johnson emphasised the importance of digital publishing \u2013 one area concerning which most Zimbabwean publishers have been grossly negligent. \u201cMoving with the times into technology and digital publishing is essential for the survival of the industry, or we will lose the content battle for young African hearts and minds who want to know who they are,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cThat is a challenge not only to the ZIBF but also to the writers and publishing industry. Sustaining and strengthening all of the links in the publishing chain right through printing and distribution, is important to us here in Zimbabwe, where this vital, competitive publishing industry is admired in other countries who do not have this luxury of working together to<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[18,8],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-522","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-books","category-culture"],"yoast_head":"\nZIBF @ 31: Promises and Perils | Blockspace<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/blockspaceballads.com\/?p=522\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"ZIBF @ 31: Promises and Perils | Blockspace\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Charles Mungoshi The Zimbabwe International Book Fair spread its turf to Bulawayo last weekend for the regional edition of the festival. The book fair ran under the theme \u201cIndigenous Languages, Literature, Art and Knowledge Systems of Africa\u201d at the City Hall. Writers, publishers, librarians, and booksellers at the workshop engaged the theme with a varied range of responses \u2013 clich\u00e9, activism, wit, humour, graphic facility and sleep-inducing lectures \u2013 as can be expected of middle-aged academics. Exhibitions, which ran concurrently with the workshop, were highly subscribed, marking a considerable improvement from previous fairs. The Literary Evening, which was first introduced during the main book fair in Harare, last year also revealed signs of life in the embattled book sector. Over the past few years, ZIBF has been trying to reclaim its billing as Africa\u2019s premier literary festival. Notable feats have been scored in this regard but significant headway will depend on the fair negotiating its way out of several challenges. It is pertinent both to credit the accomplishments and fault the stagnancy of the book fair, chiefly its alienation from the digital loop, with a view of optimising its potential. Equally key is confronting the language problem which was the object of deliberation at the just-ended fair. The sector must be seen to move along with the resolutions Despite its ephemeral nature, being an annual festival, ZIBF provides a window into the state of Zimbabwean writing and remains the foremost literary institution. Its slouch towards obscurity in recent years reflected the virtual dysfunction of the book value chain. With the industry in recovery mode, ZIBF has registered a decisive comeback with a national crusade targeting all major cities. Dependence on offshore donors in the absence of homegrown support, however, spells jeopardy for the festival. Last minute evasiveness by the usual donors almost threw the regional fair into disarray. Local stakeholders are on call to support the book sector. Presenters grappled with issues such as \u201cTraditional Arts as Intellectual Property,\u201d \u201cWriting and Publishing in Indigenous Languages,\u201d \u201cThe Importance of Indeginous Knowledge Literature\u201d and \u201cFolk Tales, Riddles and Proverbs as Indicators of Social Values.\u201d Godfrey Muyambo noted that the new constitution gives every author of any language a sense of belonging, in light of the ratification of the sixteen indigenous languages. Zimbabwe\u2019s constitution recognises Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa as official languages. \u201cThat is the starting point for the indigenous writer; that the way has been paved for writings to be acknowledged,\u201d Muyambo said, \u201cThis is an opportunity that has to be embraced by all writers, in particular those who write in indigenous languages as the thirst for material is definitely there. Even publishers are eagerly waiting for material in these languages and so are the various learning institutions,\u201d Muyambo said. During the main book fair last year, Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora announced government plans to incentivise authors writing for the ECD curriculum. Silindile Moyo and Sibongile Jele pointed out the need to write in different languages from the ethnic cross-section, with special reference to our own African experiences. They invoked the example of South Africa\u2019s Indigenous Life Public Project which was entered into force by the government to publish books in different languages by writers from different ethnic backgrounds. Other participants bemoaned publishers\u2019 apathy to new writing and urged government to come aboard with the requisite funding lest the imperative remain a pipe dream. \u201cThe Literature Bureau has to be resuscitated to enable the production of new literature. Publishers in indigenous languages can receive incentives like subsidies and tax reduction,\u201d said Noma Moyo, an editor with the College Press. \u201cInclusion of categories for indigenous language works in book awards such as NAMA and the ZBPA Literary Awards would go a long way in encouraging authors to write in indigenous languages. \u201cIn Nigeria the introduction of the Karaye Book Prize for literature written in Hausa language has played a significant role in encouraging authors to write in the language and has seen more Hausa works published,\u201d she said. Sifundo Nkomo and Anita Malumisa hinted on the prospect of 90% of the world\u2019s languages being replaced by dominant languages by the end of the 21st century, thereby reducing the number of languages from 7,000 to less than 700. \u201cIt is vital for children to read in indigenous languages so that these languages would not be endangered or replaced by the English language. This means that writers should write in indigenous languages so that these children have materials to read in their own languages,\u201d they urged. Bulawayo-based AmaBooks crowned the discussions with the launch of a short fiction anthology translation called \u201cSiqondephi Manje? Indatshana zaseZimbabwe\u201d from stories culled the Short Wrings series. The anthology, featuring stories by Raisedon Baya, NoViolet Bulawayo, Diana Charsley, Clement Chihota, Mzana Mthimululu and several others, was edited by Jane Morris and translated by Thabisani Ndlovu. At its height, ZIBF used draw in such literary notables as Cyprian Ekwensi, Ngugi WaThiongo, Migere Mugo, Louis Bernado Honwana, Kole Omotoso and Chinua Achebe. \u201cThe book fair and the workshops were richly subscribed from across the continent. The best books in Africa were on display,\u201d ZIBF co-founder Phylis Johnson told the delegates during the indaba last year. Johnson emphasised the importance of digital publishing \u2013 one area concerning which most Zimbabwean publishers have been grossly negligent. \u201cMoving with the times into technology and digital publishing is essential for the survival of the industry, or we will lose the content battle for young African hearts and minds who want to know who they are,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cThat is a challenge not only to the ZIBF but also to the writers and publishing industry. Sustaining and strengthening all of the links in the publishing chain right through printing and distribution, is important to us here in Zimbabwe, where this vital, competitive publishing industry is admired in other countries who do not have this luxury of working together to\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/blockspaceballads.com\/?p=522\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Blockspace\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2014-06-07T19:26:00+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-25T14:31:50+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"http:\/\/www.zimbojam.com\/images\/stories\/2010\/q2\/Charles%20Mungoshi%20250x343.jpg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"hardsouth\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"hardsouth\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" 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The book fair ran under the theme \u201cIndigenous Languages, Literature, Art and Knowledge Systems of Africa\u201d at the City Hall. Writers, publishers, librarians, and booksellers at the workshop engaged the theme with a varied range of responses \u2013 clich\u00e9, activism, wit, humour, graphic facility and sleep-inducing lectures \u2013 as can be expected of middle-aged academics. Exhibitions, which ran concurrently with the workshop, were highly subscribed, marking a considerable improvement from previous fairs. The Literary Evening, which was first introduced during the main book fair in Harare, last year also revealed signs of life in the embattled book sector. Over the past few years, ZIBF has been trying to reclaim its billing as Africa\u2019s premier literary festival. Notable feats have been scored in this regard but significant headway will depend on the fair negotiating its way out of several challenges. It is pertinent both to credit the accomplishments and fault the stagnancy of the book fair, chiefly its alienation from the digital loop, with a view of optimising its potential. Equally key is confronting the language problem which was the object of deliberation at the just-ended fair. The sector must be seen to move along with the resolutions Despite its ephemeral nature, being an annual festival, ZIBF provides a window into the state of Zimbabwean writing and remains the foremost literary institution. Its slouch towards obscurity in recent years reflected the virtual dysfunction of the book value chain. With the industry in recovery mode, ZIBF has registered a decisive comeback with a national crusade targeting all major cities. Dependence on offshore donors in the absence of homegrown support, however, spells jeopardy for the festival. Last minute evasiveness by the usual donors almost threw the regional fair into disarray. Local stakeholders are on call to support the book sector. Presenters grappled with issues such as \u201cTraditional Arts as Intellectual Property,\u201d \u201cWriting and Publishing in Indigenous Languages,\u201d \u201cThe Importance of Indeginous Knowledge Literature\u201d and \u201cFolk Tales, Riddles and Proverbs as Indicators of Social Values.\u201d Godfrey Muyambo noted that the new constitution gives every author of any language a sense of belonging, in light of the ratification of the sixteen indigenous languages. Zimbabwe\u2019s constitution recognises Chewa, Chibarwe, English, Kalanga, Koisan, Nambya, Ndau, Ndebele, Shangani, Shona, sign language, Sotho, Tonga, Tswana, Venda and Xhosa as official languages. \u201cThat is the starting point for the indigenous writer; that the way has been paved for writings to be acknowledged,\u201d Muyambo said, \u201cThis is an opportunity that has to be embraced by all writers, in particular those who write in indigenous languages as the thirst for material is definitely there. Even publishers are eagerly waiting for material in these languages and so are the various learning institutions,\u201d Muyambo said. During the main book fair last year, Primary and Secondary Education minister Lazarus Dokora announced government plans to incentivise authors writing for the ECD curriculum. Silindile Moyo and Sibongile Jele pointed out the need to write in different languages from the ethnic cross-section, with special reference to our own African experiences. They invoked the example of South Africa\u2019s Indigenous Life Public Project which was entered into force by the government to publish books in different languages by writers from different ethnic backgrounds. Other participants bemoaned publishers\u2019 apathy to new writing and urged government to come aboard with the requisite funding lest the imperative remain a pipe dream. \u201cThe Literature Bureau has to be resuscitated to enable the production of new literature. Publishers in indigenous languages can receive incentives like subsidies and tax reduction,\u201d said Noma Moyo, an editor with the College Press. \u201cInclusion of categories for indigenous language works in book awards such as NAMA and the ZBPA Literary Awards would go a long way in encouraging authors to write in indigenous languages. \u201cIn Nigeria the introduction of the Karaye Book Prize for literature written in Hausa language has played a significant role in encouraging authors to write in the language and has seen more Hausa works published,\u201d she said. Sifundo Nkomo and Anita Malumisa hinted on the prospect of 90% of the world\u2019s languages being replaced by dominant languages by the end of the 21st century, thereby reducing the number of languages from 7,000 to less than 700. \u201cIt is vital for children to read in indigenous languages so that these languages would not be endangered or replaced by the English language. This means that writers should write in indigenous languages so that these children have materials to read in their own languages,\u201d they urged. Bulawayo-based AmaBooks crowned the discussions with the launch of a short fiction anthology translation called \u201cSiqondephi Manje? Indatshana zaseZimbabwe\u201d from stories culled the Short Wrings series. The anthology, featuring stories by Raisedon Baya, NoViolet Bulawayo, Diana Charsley, Clement Chihota, Mzana Mthimululu and several others, was edited by Jane Morris and translated by Thabisani Ndlovu. At its height, ZIBF used draw in such literary notables as Cyprian Ekwensi, Ngugi WaThiongo, Migere Mugo, Louis Bernado Honwana, Kole Omotoso and Chinua Achebe. \u201cThe book fair and the workshops were richly subscribed from across the continent. The best books in Africa were on display,\u201d ZIBF co-founder Phylis Johnson told the delegates during the indaba last year. Johnson emphasised the importance of digital publishing \u2013 one area concerning which most Zimbabwean publishers have been grossly negligent. \u201cMoving with the times into technology and digital publishing is essential for the survival of the industry, or we will lose the content battle for young African hearts and minds who want to know who they are,\u201d Johnson said. \u201cThat is a challenge not only to the ZIBF but also to the writers and publishing industry. Sustaining and strengthening all of the links in the publishing chain right through printing and distribution, is important to us here in Zimbabwe, where this vital, competitive publishing industry is admired in other countries who do not have this luxury of working together to","og_url":"https:\/\/blockspaceballads.com\/?p=522","og_site_name":"Blockspace","article_published_time":"2014-06-07T19:26:00+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-25T14:31:50+00:00","og_image":[{"url":"http:\/\/www.zimbojam.com\/images\/stories\/2010\/q2\/Charles%20Mungoshi%20250x343.jpg","type":"","width":"","height":""}],"author":"hardsouth","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"hardsouth","Est. reading time":"6 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