By Nkhensani Mthombeni
- Nhlulo Mtileni from Giyani wrote three poetry books, one novel and co-authored four more, all published by Nhlalala Publishers in Limpopo.
- Veteran Xitsonga researcher Dr Freddy Rikhotso counted 73 Xitsonga writers in 1985 and says an accurate current figure still does not exist.
Nhlulo Mtileni is 21 years old and has already written eight books. Every one of them is in Xitsonga, and that is deliberate.
The Giyani-born author estimates there are only about 4,000 books in Xitsonga. The real number is almost impossible to confirm. Writers are supposed to register their work with the National Library before publishing, but most do not. What is not registered is not counted.
“I want to preserve my culture and heritage in the pages of books which the next generation can see and appreciate where we come from,” Mtileni said.
“Many of the cultural practices which were done by our grandparents such as vukhomba are no longer upheld and I believe through my writing I keep the light of my culture burning.”
His titles include Nwinyi wa Nkosi, Vurilaxintserere and Rila Moya Wanga. All are published by Nhlalala Publishers in Shawela Block 23, Giyani, and can be ordered through Mtileni or the publisher directly.
His books are on the waiting list for the Gauteng Department of Education’s database. He hopes one day to see his work used as a school textbook.
In 2024, Mtileni received an African Honoree Authors Award, which recognises published authors whose work carries valuable content. That same year, his writing was recognised at the inaugural Xitsonga Literary Awards, held at Xilumani Hotel in December and organised by Alex Mhangani.
He also runs the Nhlalala Educational Foundation, an NPO that donates study guides and school uniforms to schools in surrounding villages. The foundation is funded through business donations. It has already supported Tirhani Primary School and John Mabhedle Secondary School, with more schools on a waiting list.
Dr Freddy Rikhotso, a veteran Xitsonga news anchor at Mughana Lonene FM and a published Xitsonga author, says tracking the full picture is still difficult. When he researched the field in 1985, he counted 73 Xitsonga writers. He has not been able to update that figure.
“It is important for youngsters to write as many books as they can in our mother tongue and it preserves our heritage,” Rikhotso said.
“Writing in Xitsonga is not inferior and therefore I encourage our writers to take full pride in their work.”
Pictured above: Nhlulo Mtileni, 21, author and founder of the Nhlalala Educational Foundation, at his home in Giyani, Limpopo.
Image source: Supplied
