Nakanjani
Nakanjani
By Nombeko Mpongo, ©2011
Nakanjani is the isiXhosa translation of Nombeko Mpongo’s short story, Anyway, which forms part of Openly Positive's English short story collection, Whisper not. Against the backdrop of her early years in the Eastern Cape, Nombeko’s powerful poems and life story share how she has courageously survived being gang-raped to become a proud role model and advocate for living positively with HIV. The Lessons and questions for discussion at the end of her story invite you to reflect on and take charge of your own life.
“I promised myself that, whatever I was going through, I had to help others in the same situation understand that they were not alone. It was never easy, but the support we get from different people always makes the journey less heavy.”
NOMBEKO MPONGO
Our author, her story
This is Nombeko’s story. Click on the links below to read more about her and the story she has chosen to tell.
Learn a little about Nombeko
These Whisper not author details were current at the time of writing: September 2010.
Read an extract from Nombeko’s story
This extract is entitled Ndiyazithanda and is from Nombeko Mpongo’s story: Nakanjani.
Nakanjani is the isiXhosa translation of her short story in Whisper not, called Anyway. You can read the English version of the above extract by clicking on the link.
Click here to watch an interview with Nombeko.
Nombeko's lessons and questions
Nakanjani ends with a set of learning tools and reader aids:
- Lessons and questions for discussion (in Xhosa)
- A glossary of terms, abbreviations and acronyms
- References and useful reading.
The idea is to use the lessons and questions for discussion, together with the positive language guidelines also available on the site, in awareness workshops or in support groups. Topics include dealing with abuse, stigma and relationships, as well as psychological and treatment issues. The writing tips will help you when you start writing for yourself and the glossary will aid understanding, particularly of medical and foreign words, while the references will help with further reading, information and getting help.
Where to buy?
From May 4th onwards, Nakanjani is available nationally at a wide range of South African bookstores. Books will also become available at selected bookstores internationally. If you would like to buy Nakanjani online, please visit kalahari.net to place your order and your book will be delivered to you.
Nakanjani at a glance:
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Author |
Nombeko Mpongo (South Africa): translation of Anyway short story in Openly Positive Whisper not collection |
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Language |
isiXhosa |
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Content |
A short story and seven poems dealing with issues such as personal origins, adolescence, surviving rape, contracting HIV, self- and community acceptance, disclosure, love, relationships and self-expression |
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Visuals |
17 black-and-white images, including personal photographs, posters and news clippings |
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ISBN number |
978-0-9869998-1-9 |
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Number of pages |
52 |
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Format |
Square (210mm x 210mm) with full colour soft cover and stapled |
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Publisher |
The Openly Positive Trust |
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Design |
Designs4development |
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Distribution |
PSD Promotions |
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Availability |
May 2011 |
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Website |
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