New publication company emerges in Matabeleland

By Nothando Nkomo 

After having written about five books one of which was selected for use in schools by the Zimbabwe School Examination Council (Zimsec), Mthulisi Ndlovu resolved to go one better by venturing into publication to promote indigenous language publications and help other upcoming authors publish  their books and potentially have a shot at being considered for use in academics.

Ndlovu’s  Ubuntu Afro Publishers was  launched last week on Friday albeit without pomp and fanfare. However the low key ceremony did not dim the significance of the epoch making event.
The aim of this budding publication company is to provide a rare and much needed platform for authors who are in their formative stages to publish their works in different languages that are in use in Zimbabwe with particular emphasis on indigenous languages.

“It has come to our attention that there is a bias for English as far as publishing is concerned and so we decided to bust the myth that projects English as the ultimate medium of published works. We do acknowledge English as a universal language but our mandate at Ubuntu Afro Publishers is to allow  authors to express themselves in their own native languages that are spoken across Zimbabwe” , said  Ndlovu who is the Chief Executive Officer of the publishing company.

Ndlovu adds that the company is not in any way trying to eliminate the use of English but seeks to promote indigenous languages that have largely been shunned by locals undertaking literal works. 

“We want to produce literal content in our own languages in as much as we would also be publishing some books in English. Priority will be given to authors who produce their work in indigenous languages. Unfortunately our own books, written in the local languages have not been given much attention by readers and we want to try to change the trajectory and persuade people to embrace local languages and inculcate pride in our Africanness.  As Ubuntu Afro Publishers, we want to ensure there is increased academic content produced in traditional languages. Without our languages, we have no identity,” said Ndlovu.

The youth are the primary target of Ubuntu Afro Publishers although the elderly who may want to publish their works are still welcome to do so. Apart from publishing books, Ubuntu Afro Publishers offers translation services to the cooperate world, NGOs , and government institutions.
 

“For instance, if an organisation or government agency wants a script or public announcement done in any indigenous  language for people in rural areas to understand, we are able to help.”
One of the goals of Ubuntu Afro publishers is to provide jobs for graduates who graduated in degrees related to this field”, said Ndlovu.

Nobuhle Sibanda, COO of Ubuntu Afro publishers  said ” Ubuntu publishers will give job opportunities to many graduates  and also to those with degrees that society looks down upon and renders ‘useless’. l for one  hold a  honours degree in Ndebele from the University of Zimbabwe, and many people said l could only be a teacher with this qualification but  Ubuntu Afro Publication has made a mockery of that presumption.”

Ubuntu Afro Publishers have so far published one book titled ‘Politicking’ by Mthulisi Ndlovu and are working on five other projects that are to be published this year. The Ubuntu Afro Publication operates from an officer on Fifth Floor of Pioneer House in the Bulawayo Central Business District