ALUMNA’S ANTHOLOGY PRESCRIBED FOR LEARNING AT WSU

Walter Sisulu University graduate Anelisa Thengimfene’s IsiXhosa anthology titled Amajingiqhiwu Entlalo has been prescribed for learning and teaching in the institution’s Bachelor of Arts final year, as well as Bachelor of Arts Honours programmes.

Thengimfene’s collection of poems was published in 2022, receiving largely positive reviews from readers which included her former WSU lecturers.

The scholar’s writings explore an array of themes, including gender, Afrocentrism, feminism, and social issues as indicated by the book’s title which translates to “Life’s Ups and Downs”.

In January 2023, the Bachelor of Education graduate was approached by the Head of the Department of Arts in the Faculty of Humanities, Social Sciences and Law, who informed her that the book would be prescribed for BA and BA Honours Students.

“As a young female author, it is a great honour that my book has reached such a high standard of university students, especially post-graduate students. It means I am contributing to the promotion and preservation of our African languages. This is a remarkable privilege,” said Thengimfene.

The 27-year-old Ngqamakhwe born author is a lecturer of IsiXhosa at SANTS Private Higher Institution in Pretoria. She holds a Bachelor of Education in Humanities from WSU, a BA (Hons) from Nelson Mandela University, and is currently pursuing her Masters of Arts in African Languages with the University of South Africa.

Thengimfene’s former lecturer and Head of the Department of Department of Arts, Doctor Yolisa Madolo said: “The book is rich with multiple kinds of poems. The author really took time to write meticulously, cognisant of the fact that she wasn’t just writing poetry, but she was crafting creative works which would be highly impactful to the reader.”

Madolo also asserted that having prescribed the book for learning, she is certain that her students will benefit from its rich exploration of society, and its creative ability to spark debate regarding societal issues.

“When she was a new WSU student, Miss Thengimfene immediately showed signs of a deep engraved knowledge of the IsiXhosa language, which she inherited from her mother. She made a mark as a brilliant speaker and writer very early in her studies. As such, we weren’t surprised to see her finally publish her work, some of which she has received awards for,” said Madolo.

Anelisa Thengimfene’s anthology, Amajingiqhiwu Entlalo is available for sale from the author herself. Orders can be placed on 0787098815.

By Yanga Ziwele