Ep 1: Ayanda Xaba & Nathi Oliphant – Writing and publishing in isiZulu

Writing and publishing in indigenous languages are vital acts of cultural preservation and intellectual sovereignty. They transform spoken heritage into lasting records, ensuring that stories, knowledge, and identity are passed on to future generations.In this episode of Thekgang Talking, we are joined by Ayanda Xaba, an award-winning self-published author, and Nathi Oliphant, a seasoned journalist and novelist, to explore the importance of writing in isiZulu and the broader role of indigenous languages in literature.Ayanda shares her journey from a young writer to an award-winning author committed to telling the stories of African women, while Nathi reflects on his transition from journalism to fiction and the themes behind his novel Blood, Blades and Bullets.Together, they discuss the challenges, opportunities, and cultural significance of publishing in indigenous South African languages.This episode is a compelling exploration of language, identity, and storytelling in contemporary Africa.Thekgang Talking is a books and publishing podcast, covering topics that cut across the books and publishing ecosystem, from indigenous language writing and publishing to alternative manifestations of books such as audiobooks and graphic novels. Guests on the podcast include authors, publishers, booksellers, festival directors and literacy organisations. For more information, visit thekgang.org.za. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.