BULAWAYO - The National Gallery and its Director Voti Thebe recently hosted the launches of two important new books.
First, Professor Terence Ranger, formerly of the University of Zimbabwe, launched Bulawayo burning, a social history of Zimbabwes second city written to commemorate the late Dr Yvonne Vera, Director of the National Gallery 1998 to 2002.
Rangers book is published by Weaver Press and James Currey and costs US$30. Lawton Hikwa, Head of Communications at NUST was Master of Ceremonies and spoke about the book. Mike Ndubiwa, former Town Clerk of Bulawayo welcomed Professor Ranger. The author presented Ericah Gwetai, mother of the late Dr Vera, with a copy of the book. It was an emotional occasion for all present.
On November 24, cultural activist and publisher Pathisa Nyathi of Amagugu Books
was the key speaker at the launch of Lozikeyi Dlodlo, Queen of the Ndebele: a very dangerous and intriguing woman by Marieke Faber Clarke in association with Nyathi. This book is available from Nyathi at 3956 Luveve, PO Luveve, Bulawayo or telephone Bulawayo 521305 at $20 plus post and packing where applicable.
Outside the Southern African region, the book will be marketed and distributed by the Britain-based African Books Collective. Queen Lozikeyi Dlodlo was senior queen to King Lobhengula. This book is one of the first studies of a woman who led her people while the British colonial power occupied her country. She was the intellect behind one of the most effective anti-colonial revolts.
Queen Lozikeyi continues to be an inspiration to Zimbabweans today. As an Ndebele royal woman, she inherited a strong constitutional position from Nguni royal foremothers in Zululand. This study shows how Lobhengulas senior queen and other Ndebele royal women used their power.
Post published in: Uncategorized