Zazi Books to publish Zulu epic fantasy for tweens

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: New South African indigenous-language imprint Zazi Books to publish groundbreaking Zulu epic fantasy for tweens, Impi yeHlathi.

[Johannesburg, South Africa, 16 April 2024] – Zazi Books, an imprint of Clockwork Books, has announced that it will publish Impi yeHlathi (War of the Forest) by CGM Mackenzie, an enchanting tale told through the interaction between Mkhulu and his grandchildren, Siphiwe and Sifiso, after a day of visiting the site of the Battle of Isandlwana.

The title is part of a three-book programme launched by Zazi Books to develop South African authors writing for the 8-12-year age group, especially those writing in our local languages. The Kubomntwana Author Development Programme is partly funded by a grant from the National Arts Council (NAC).

The children, inspired by the epic history of the amaZulu, ask their grandfather to tell them a story, leading to the captivating inganekwane about Sikhulumi, the hero who unites the creatures of the forest against the tyranny of his evil father, Hlokohloko.

The writing of Impi yeHlathi showcases the richness of IsiZulu with metaphor, poetic language, and imagery, while remaining accessible for the age group. 

Zazi Books chose this story to publish because it is “imaginative and evocative,” commissioning editor Sarah McGregor says. “Zulu epic fantasy for tweens Impi yeHlathi reflects our aim to publish relevant, accessible, enjoyable indigenous-language stories for our kids, to encourage them to read for pleasure.”

Impi yeHlathi is suitable for isiZulu Home Language readers at a Grade 5 level or higher or First Additional Language students from Grade 7 upwards, or for reading aloud to learners in lower grades.  

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: CGM Mackenzie is a polyglot author from Eshowe in KwaZulu-Natal, who published the isiZulu science fiction novel UkuThintana (Contact) in 2020, and grew up listening to folktales in various languages.

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