1st Mbokodo Publishers Annual Siswati & IsiNdebele Literary Awards

Celebrating Excellence in Siswati and IsiNdebele Literature

ABOUT THE AWARDS

Mbokodo Publishers is a pioneer in promoting and preserving Indigenous languages and culture, specialising in Siswati and IsiNdebele literature. We proudly introduce the Mbokodo Publishers Siswati & IsiNdebele Literary Awards, a prestigious event celebrating outstanding literary achievements. This annual event aims to recognise and reward the best in Siswati and IsiNdebele literature while also contributing to the cultural and economic development of Mpumalanga and South Africa at large. 

Thank you for choosing us as your literary companion.

AWARDS CATEGORIES

The Mbokodo Publishers Siswati & IsiNdebele Literary Awards offers a wide array of categories to celebrate diverse literary achievements, including:

1. Reader’s Choice Award: Voted on by the public, this award allows readers to choose their favourite book or author. Authors must opt-in to be eligible.

2. Best Book in Siswati & Best Book in IsiNdebele: Recognising exceptional fiction, non-fiction, and poetry written in Siswati and IsiNdebele.

3. Siswati Academic Book of the Year: Celebrating outstanding academic works that contribute to the promotion of Siswati as a language of scholarly discourse.

4. IsiNdebele Academic Book of the Year: This award honours academic books written in IsiNdebele that elevate the language’s academic standing.

5. Institution of the Year: Acknowledging educational institutions or organisations that promote and IsiNdebele literature and language preservation.

6. Librarian of the Year: Recognising librarians who make extraordinary efforts to promote Siswati and IsiNdebele literature in their communities.

7. Best Media Personality/Presenter: Awarding media personalities or presenters who use their platforms to spotlight books written in Siswati and IsiNdebele, helping to increase visibility.

8. Lifetime Achievement Award: Honouring individuals who have made lasting and impactful contributions to the preservation and promotion of Siswati and IsiNdebele literature over their careers.

9. Visually Impaired Literacy Excellence Award: Recognising outstanding literary contributions by or for visually impaired individuals in Siswati and IsiNdebele.

Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in Siswati and IsiNdebele literature and connect with fellow enthusiasts.

Join us as we shine a spotlight on the brilliance of Siswati and IsiNdebele writers and celebrate the power of storytelling.

EVENT DETAILS

Date: November 23, 2024

Time: 1 PM - 5 PM

Venue: The Capital Mbombela 

Tickets to the event are now on sale at Computickets and Shoprite (KIDS: R50, GEN: R100, VIP: R150, VVIP: R600, Bookseller Exhibitor: R500).

Name: Vusumuzi Wellington Manana

AKA: DJ Choraal – Sobho Lenjoni

Occupation: Researcher, Technical Producer, Content Producer, and Presenter at SABC – Ligwalagwala FM.

Vusumuzi Wellington Manana began his work in the research and production of SiSwati radio documentaries in 2021, during the COVID-19 period, on a voluntary basis. Since then, he has produced over 20 radio documentaries, focusing on a wide range of themes.

Key documentary series include:

- Unsung Heroes: Profiling undocumented political figures who played significant roles in South African history, including former political activists and freedom fighters.

Other Themes:

1. Women’s Month

2. Gender-Based Violence

3. Tribal Authorities

4. Youth Activists during the Apartheid Era

5. Mpumalanga Heritage Sites

6. Youth Political Activations

All documentaries are produced and presented in SiSwati and are available on the Ligwalagwala FM podcast, produced and presented by Vusumuzi Wellington Manana.  

Best Media Personality/Presenter of theYear Nominee

Name: Glenda Bulunga

Occupation: Librarian

Glenda Bulunga holds a Postgraduate Diploma in Library Science from the University of Limpopo. With over six years of experience working in public libraries, she is passionate about engaging with learners, researchers, students, children, and the wider community.

While at university, Glenda volunteered at the University of Limpopo's academic library and completed her practical training at the SABC Polokwane Information Library. After graduating, she continued to enhance her skills by volunteering at Mbombela City Library, where she developed into the professional librarian she is today.

She also interned at the Provincial South African Police Services' HRD Special Library, an experience she found both rewarding and enriching. This work deepened her passion for a career that combines working with books and people from various backgrounds.

In April 2022, Glenda secured a permanent position at Mbombela City Library. She has since become an integral part of the community and describes her current role as the most fulfilling of her career. An avid reader herself, she is dedicated to sharing her love for reading with the public, especially children, through engaging learning activities, book clubs, and fostering a love of books.

Librarian Of The Year Nominee

SPONSORSHIP OPPORTUNITIES

Limited Tickets on Sale

Buy Yours Now!

We invite partners to join us in celebrating the beauty and importance of Siswati and IsiNdebele literature. Sponsorship opportunities are available for individual award categories, multiple categories, or the entire event. 

Your sponsorship will go towards:

1. Supporting logistics and administration.

2. Funding marketing, PR, and promotional campaigns to boost awareness.

3. Recognising and rewarding outstanding literary achievements in Siswati and IsiNdebele.

SPONSORSHIP BENEFITS

By sponsoring the Mbokodo Publishers Siswati &IsiNdebele Literary Awards, you will gain:

1.  Visibility: Increase your brand’s exposure by associating with a prestigious literary and cultural event.

2. Networking Opportunities: Connect with literary figures, authors, media personalities, and industry professionals.

3. Brand alignment: Align your organisation with efforts to promote and preserve Indigenous languages.

4.  Tailored Sponsorship Packages: Customised options are available to suit your business needs and budget.

5. Contribution to Cultural Preservation: Play a key role in the preservation of South Africa’scultural and linguistic heritage.

Together, let's make a meaningful impact and promote the richness of our indigenous languages. Contact us today to discuss this sponsorship opportunity further.

Regards,

Mbokodo Publishers Siswati & IsiNdebele Literary Awards Team

OUR LOCATION

Mbokodo Publishers, Caltex Building, 32 Bell St, Nelspruit Central, Mbombela, 1200

Business Hours

Monday-Friday

9 AM - 4:00 PM

Saturday & Sunday

Closed