24 Nov 2024

The love for writing has earned Tutume-born author, Nnyaladzi Monyamane, an international award from an exclusive competition dubbed, ‘The book behind the awards’ held in South Africa recently.

It is an annual event that celebrates the intricate challenges faced by authors and pays tribute to their significant role in society.

Monyamane’s educational novel, It never rains but it pours, which was published last year November, earned him the prestigious award as the book was nominated as the best under the Best Interfaith Book category.

Organized by a renowned South African-based Nelly Shozana and her team from Pietermaritzburg, the competition attracted authors from countries such as Nigeria, South Africa and Botswana, with Monyamane the only nominee from Botswana.

 Monyamane could not hide his excitement in an interciew, more so that the novel was his first edition.

The novel depicts the correlation between traditional beliefs and Christianity in orchestrating daily lives.

After observing what was happening in the society in terms of religion, he said, he found it right to sensitise and educate people that they were living in a world where they were controlled by two forces citing the traditional beliefs and Christianity.

“This book carries an educational story of religion, which can be read by both children and elders and I am grateful that it has received a warm reception both locally and internationally.

Currently, I have sold over 2 000 copies to individuals locally and in countries like Kenya, Canada and Europe among others,” he added.

 Monyamane gave credit to his publishing company as they encouraged him to enter the competition.  He said he has also registered with the Copyright Society of Botswana.

In addition, he said the award has marketed his book, which he said was seen on Amazon online, which is a popular online selling platform.

Plans are underway to engage the Ministry of Child Welfare and Basic Education  to discuss if the book could be used in schools curriculum.

 He also noted that due to the positive feedback he received from the readers and popular demand, he is currently working on part two of the book, which would be completed next year.

However, narrating his journey in the writing sphere, Monyamane said he was inspired by reading Bessie Head’s books, an author of repute who authored several books before she met her untimely death in 1986, noting that he adopted her writing style.

 He motivated other upcoming authors to invest in marketing, saying it is key to business success because it helps a company to create awareness of its brand and build customer loyalty. Ends