DSE News Network
This week on the DSE News Network Literature Series, we report that Ike Mthandazo Dube: co author, editor and co-ordinator of the Erudite team launched his much-anticipated book: Celebrating Unsung Heroes: in Yeoville Johannesburg.
After weeks of anticipation, the Yeoville Library this week played host to the launch of “The Great and Untold Stories of the Sons and Daughters of Bulilima Mangwe Who Made Strides in the Liberation of Zimbabwe,” a poignant book that sheds light on the often-overlooked contributions of individuals from Bulilima Mangwe who fought for Zimbabwe’s independence.
The event, sponsored by the City of Joburg, coincided with National Library Week, emphasising the significance of literacy in communities.
The book, which took months to put together, was written by the Erudite Team and edited by Mthandazo Dube, tells the stories of Bulilima Mangwe’s liberation heroes, highlighting their sacrifices and struggles in the fight for independence.
Speaking at the launch, Dube emphasised the importance of documenting the stories of liberation heroes, saying: “It’s crucial to write about our heroes of the liberation struggle. Many times we live with untold history and this is our own contribution to stories that one often does not hear about,” Mthandazo Dube said.
He added that the key objectives of the book are: to document and preserve the stories of Bulilima Mangwe’s liberation heroes, promote a deeper understanding of African and Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle, and to celebrate the bravery and resilience of unsung heroes.
The launch was a celebration of the region’s rich history and the impact of its people on Zimbabwe’s liberation and the book is placed as a valuable resource for anyone interested in understanding the complexities of Zimbabwe’s struggle for independence.
“I would like to thank the head of communication for Erudite team Sandiso Sibanda, Dr Mbongolwane we thank him as well, and both Moses Mhango and Dingindlela Ndlovu for they are contribution on this project,” he said.
Johannes Sethosa, Library Manager at Yeoville Library, stressed the importance of elevating literacy and supporting upcoming writers, underscoring the significance of the book launch during National Library Week.
The event, which was open to the public, was attended by children from the Holiness Combined School , as well as members of the Yeoville and inner city communities.
In quote: “Writers are pen visionaries and clairvoyants of the finest words, as a collective writers and researchers it is our duty to write about our history as to avert the distortion”
