The Mazisi Kunene Museum in Glenwood recently hosted the KZN Literary Tourism end of year function. The event was graced by the presence of award winning writer Kobus Moolman who read poems from his latest anthology, Light and After. The function celebrated the launch of the Midlands Writers Trail (which features Kobus Moolman) and the recently revamped KZN Literary Tourism website. Niall McNulty, the website manager, demonstrated the new ‘look and feel’ of the website, while also pointing out existing features like book reviews, interviews, trails, podcasts and research papers.
A number of writers were present at the event, including Rubendra Govender (Sugar Cane Boy), Deena Padayachee and Betty Govinden (Sister Outsiders among other academic works). Also in attendance was the Fukuza Writers Club group from Ohlange, Inanda, which was formed under the KZN Literary Tourism banner. This group meets weekly to read poetry and discuss ways to reduce illiteracy in townships. Fukuza Writers Club foresees youth participation in the Inanda, KwaMashu, Ntuzuma, Amaoti and Phoenix areas through literature including performance, theatre, film making and workshops. Their aim is to expose the youth to the rich literary and cultural heritage of the wider Inanda area.
The project leader of KZN Literary Tourism, Professor Lindy Stiebel, was enthusiastic about the project’s progress in 2010; she also thanked the website advertisers and sponsors. This year saw the number of author profiles on the website extend to 96, just four shy of a milestone century. This progress was largely the result of the work of UKZN MA student, Sheldon Campbell, who received an ESAACH bursary to support his time spent on KZN Literary Tourism website.
Prof Lindy Stiebel assured guests that 2011 will be a good year for KZN Literary Tourism as two grants have been received for writers’ trails: a South Coast Writers Trail funded by the National Arts Council; and the Umbumbulu Writers and Educators’ Trail funded by eThekwini Municipality.
A wonderful meal, prepared by Mrs Kunene and accompanied by wine provided by Leopards Leap wines, rounded off the evening.
