Ukhozi FM current affairs host and seasoned author Bongani Mavuso, who won an award at the annual South African Literary Awards (Sala) on Saturday, believes that there is a lot that needs to be done to promote the literary scene.
Mavuso, who is recovering at home after suffering from kidney failure in June, walked away with a Literal Journalism Award at the event that was held virtually. The seasoned author who has published 13 books, some of which were set books for Unisa and private schools, is among the local writers who were recognised for their role of advancing literature in SA.
Another big winner of the night was Fred Khumalo, who won the Nadine Gordimer Short Story Award for his short story collection "Talk of the Town (Kwela 2019)!"
Speaking to Sowetan on Monday, Mavuso explained that Sala awards were important because they were promoting and advancing the level of literature and creative scene in SA.
“I am honored to be recognised for the work that I have been doing. This means that someone has been watching my work. Since I have been working for Ukhozi FM hosting current affairs programme, I’ve been giving authors a platform to talk about their work and introduce themselves to the public. I went as far as working with some newspapers promoting poetry because I am passionate about creative arts.”
“The Sala awards are important because they give us (as writers) a chance to compete and make the industry competitive. The reason why the music industry has been so progressive is because they have awards which push them to work even harder. When artists go to the studio they go with an intention that they want to win those awards. Competition helps because it forces people to produce quality work and develop the craft. ”
Mavuso added that there was a lack of development in literature because writers were working in isolation and not working together and engaging on issues that affect them.
On his health, he said: "I was was in hospital but now I am better. I am responding well to the dialysis treatment."
Mavuso, who is still not back on air, has been writing and reciting poetry for years and has published several anthologies of Zulu poetry including Inhlansi, Inxeba Lembongi, Izintombi Zengcuce, and Zibuyela Ezimpandeni.
Other winners included Trevor Noah who walked away with a Youth Literature Award for his book Born A Crime, an edition for young readers, Phumlani Pikoli who won the Kabelo Sello Duiker Memorial Award, the Poetry Award in English went to Musawenkosi Khanyile for his book All The Places.
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