DEATH
OF AN IDEA LAUNCHED IN MALAWI
By
Rhoda Zulu, PEN International, Malawi Chapter
Above:
Rhoda Zulu managing the launch event
PEN International,
Malawi Chapter is a branch of PEN International, a world association of writers
which promotes literature and intellectual cooperation among writers worldwide.
The Malawi Chapter has a committee headed by its President Alfred Msadala. The
association recently launched an anthology called Death of an Idea; Malawi Writing Today 11 on 30th June,
2019 at Jacaranda Cultural Centre in Blantyre, Malawi. To have the book finally
out funds were provided by the former Norwergian ambassador to Malawi Asbjorn
Eidhaim. Before the ambassador left his position in Malawi he published a book
titled Malawi a Place Apart. It is from
the proceeds of selling his book that he supported the publication of this
recently launched anthology. Rhoda Zulu
is a member of a translation committee of PEN, Malawi Chapter, plus a
contributor to the anthology. She now reports.
The anthology launch
drew academicians from various colleges including Chancellor College. The title
of the book is Death of an Idea, a name
which is derived from one of the authors Ken Lipenga’s poem which was discussed
way back in 1974 when he was a student at the University of Malawi, Chancellor
College. Then Ken Lipenga was 22 year old. On the day of launch Ken Lipenga’s
poem was read by Linly Mayenda, who is 22years old and is the youngest member
of PEN Malawi Chapter. It is interesting
that the anthology is composed of an integrated mix of seasoned and budding
writers. Some of these are several women who have their stories and poetry
included in the anthology.
The book is a
celebration of intergenerational writing seeking to expose talent and ideas
past and present. Some of the female writers are Rhoda Zulu, Luckier Chikopa,
Matilda Phiri, Wezzie Msukwa. Some male contributors are Ken Lipenga, Francis
Moto and William Mpina.
(From
Left to right) Rhoda
Zulu, Luckier Chikopa, Ken Lipenga, Francis Moto, Matilda Phiri and Alfred Msadala
Rhoda Zulu, one of the
contributors to this anthology is currently employed as a Community Mobilisation Officer at the Story
Workshop Educational Trust (SWET) www.storyworkshop.org. Her career path started as a
primary, secondary school teacher, then national Malawi Broadcasting
Corporation (MBC) where she initiated Modern
Woman, a radio programme where
successful women explain the rough rides they endured as they rose to their
success stories. She continues modelling through various efforts; such that she
is currently conducting a research towards the award of a Masters in Health and
Behavior Change Communication (HBCC); at the Malawi Polytechnic in Blantyre,
Malawi.
Talk of writing, Rhoda
is a member and trained writer for social and professional needs. She has been
trained by the Malawi Writers Union, Uganda Women Writers Association-FEMRITE
Uganda and is in in translation committee of PEN International, Malawi Chapter. One of her short stories on Gender Based Violence
stories, published by Uganda women writers (Summoning
the Rains) is about an African village girl who was forced out of school
into early marriage soon after initiation; curtailed by her mother. Due to
constant fights the woman killed the husband but society accuses her. She
suffers death penalty. In 2018 Rhoda facilitated several Malawian
women contribution to another anthology,
“Stories of Struggle for Education and Equality in Malawi, supported by Mary
Tuchscherer of the Voice Flame Writers. For more information reach out to www.amazon.com.
The book features women stories likely to inspire girls to work hard in school
despite whatever huddles they encounter along the way. Finally, Rhoda is also a
contributor to a University of Malawi, Chancellor College initiated forum for
sharing women write ups. See www.makewana.com.
Below: Timwa Lipenga, founder of
makewana forum reads an excerpt from the anthology
Curtain raisers for the
event included two poems read by Mike Batomeo, a standard seven pupil at
Nakazimu Primary School at Area 12 South Lunzu and another two poems by Prisca
Chipolonga a Form two student at Chichiri Secondary School, also in Blantyre. Rhoda
discovered these young pupils talent at her location in South Lunzu.
Below:
Mike Batomeo and Prisca Chipolonga at the launch function
Rhoda encouraged fellow
writers to sow seeds of new writers wherever they are so that more young ones
develop interest in writing.
Above:
Egdio Hermes Mpanga (in black shirt) the anthology editor, franked by some of
the female contributors.
Rhoda Zulu with
Maureen Mlenga(right), a yao language writer
PEN Malawi chapter invites and
readily welcomes all interestede writers to join the association by contacting
its president Alfred Msadala amsadala@gmail.com Below find attached captions by the Daily
Times and Malawi News.
