Poet launches Lupane
Mabel Khumalo
LUPANE: A renowned, multi talented Lupane poet has added another feather to his creative cap by releasing a book that explores the history and tradition of Matabeleland North.
The book, titled ‘Lupane’ traces and delves into the origins of Lupane, its traditional leaders, names of rivers and mountains and seeks to explain the people’s way of life.It also examines how most places in Matabeleland North are connected to the BaTonga people which explains the prevalence of Tonga names in the province.
Obert Dube who hails from Dandanda ward in Mthenjwa village, is also known as ‘The African Poet’ and has carved a name for himself in the arts industry. Dube is a poet, actor, master of ceremonies, philanthropist and now, author. His writing style was inspired by veteran author, Ndabezinhle Sigogo.
Lupane tells a tale of two chieftaincies in Lupane, one headed by Chief Mabhikwa Khumalo in Jotsholo and the other by Mayenzwa Gumede of Dongamuzi. The author also celebrates luminous sons and daughters of the district such as Nicole Sithule Tshuma, founding member of a women empowerment organization, Qoki ZiNdlovukazi, an accomplished author, and Zimbabwe’s Finance Minister Professor Mthuli Ncube.
Dube says he was motivated to write the book, which was nominated for the Bulawayo Arts Awards (BAA) after realising that most Africans have abandoned and forgotten their roots. “Africans have been Westernised and this is evident in the way they dress, the language they use…some bleach their skins to look lighter,” he said.
His book analyses names of different places in the area, for example a river in Lupane was called Kana, a Tonga word meaning little child. According to him, the Tonga people discovered the small river and to them it dwarfed in comparison to the mighty Zambezi River and therefore the former was considered to be the latter’s ‘baby’ (kana).
“In this book, readers will be educated on the original names and meanings of my district of origin. As you know, charity begins at home and above all, I am passionate about research. Writing this book was a pleasure,” Dube said.
Chief Operations Manager of Ubuntu Publishers, Nobuhle Sibanda, hailed the book as a rich resource of indigenous knowledge. “It has a great impact on domestic tourism and the preservation of intangible culture and heritage.” she said.
Dube’s mantra is, “Do what you love and love what you do, money and success will follow after your hard work,’’ has performed as a poet in South Africa and Swaziland.
Lupane District is the provincial capital of Matabeleland North. The area is believed to have been occupied by the Tonga people who were forced further up northwards to present day Binga District by the arrival of King Mzilikazi during the establishment of the Ndebele Kingdom in Matabeleland.
