Published by Sowfin Investments, a Botswana-based publishing company, Pepukai: Kunze kwasunama, (climate change is a reality) aims at demystifying the traditional beliefs associated with the adversities caused by climate change.
“The book was inspired by the realisation that there is limited literature in vernacular language on climate change related issues,” said Gono. “I realised that Zimbabwean publishers failed to realise the value or the urgency in publishing my book, that is why it was published in Botswana.”
The book is targeted at school children as the drivers of information dissemination. “If it reaches school children, I know that this information will reach the adults because school children will then engage adults and relay what they would have learnt in a simplified way,” said Gono.
He cited the example where traditionally, low or excessive rainfall patterns were associated with the ancestors. The book addresses some of these issues and demystifies those preconceived ideas and enhances the people’s understanding that this can be caused by climate change.
A journalist who is passionate about sports reporting, Gono acknowledges the support he got from his fellow journalist and colleague, Gilbert Munetsi and Tatenda and Tapiwa Makumbe in seeing his first ever novel on the shelves.
“My wish is to see this book incorporated into the educational curriculum. That way, climate change issues will get the attention they deserve,” he said.
Post published in: Arts