Pomp at Women’s Anthology launch

Jacaranda Cultural Centre (JCC) was on Saturday afternoon gripped with pomp and excitement when Malawi Writers Union (Mawu) launched a Women’s Anthology book titled A Grafted Tree and Other Stories as well as awarding the 2017/18 National Literary Awards (Nala) winners.

Norwegian Deputy Ambassador Bjarne Garden who graced the event, said the two events are fruits of their support to Malawi Writers Union.

“What we have seen is really rewarding. We have seen an emerging era in literature and creation of literature in Malawi and this is inspiring for our cooperation,” he said.

Garden also said it is important that women have come out because when one looks back at the history of literature on the African continent, there were a lot of famous writers who were men, the likes of Chinua Achebe and Ngugi wa Thiong’o.

“It’s only now that we are having emerging female artists.” he said.

Minister Local Government and Rural Development Kondwani Nankhumwa, who was the guest of honour, agreed with the Norwegian envoy saying the 50-50 campaign should be reflected in all sectors.

“Today’s launch of anthology means we are going to celebrate a prolific female writer in the near future,” he said.

Commenting on the two events, Nankhumwa repeated the maxim “a pen is mightier than a sword” saying it signifies how important writing is.

“Writing can change the world; writing can change the mindset of an individual and for us to progress as a nation or a country we need mindset change. Now you cannot change mindset without reading. That is why reading culture is encouraged from the word go,” said Nankhumwa who disclosed that he has written a book titled APM And The Midnight Six which is to be published soon.

The Nala winner Chikumbutso Ndaferankhande said he was overwhelmed.

“I didn’t except I would win. I have been writing short stories and I have won awards but writing an award-winning piece was a completely different game altogether. So it is a wow feeling,” he said.

Ndaferankhande went away with K1 million while second placed Okay Mafunga Lucius Phaiya received K500 000.

And third placed Victoria Kalaundi got K250 000.  On the other hand, Matilda Phiri, Nixon Mateulah, Ndongolera Mwangupili and Dingaan Mithi got consolation prizes.