Deputy minister wins book award

Verah Kamtukule is one of the recipients for the African Authors Awards 2020.

The deputy minister of Labour, Skills and Innovation’s book, Made to Bloom has won the women empowerment category.

“All things are possible to them who believe!!!! Made to Bloom brought the African Authors Award 2020 home; the women Empowerment category.

“I accept this with humility and pledge to keep my pen active. To all authors both established and aspiring, know that it is possible. This one is for Malawi for us all,” she wrote on her Facebook page.

In an interview, Kamtukule said the award should spur emerging writers gunning for a breakthrough to believe in themselves.

She said one of the selection committee members came to Malawi and got Made to Bloom.

“This award is for Malawi.  What this means is that it is possible. I have been fired up to keep my pen active,” she said.

Founded by South African author and speaker Anthea Thyssen-Ambursley, the African Authors Awards  celebrate and honour authors who write for children.

Made to Bloom is a motivational and inspirational book that takes women on a self-discovery journey.

Meanwhile, congratulatory messages have been flying from different angles.

Ezelina Kawaliza congratulated her saying: “I can attest to the power that is in your book Made to Bloom.”