On Thursday evening, 29 July at 5.30-7pm, Harare’s Book Café will be hosting a Story- Telling event in partnership with the Embassy of the Czech Republic, with stories from the book ‘Kolobeja’, Folktales from a Ndebele Past,  published by the embassy in 2009.   The book is a collection of twenty-eight

riveting, hilarious and scintillating folktales from the world of AmaNdebele. Story-telling open mic events are held once a month at The Book Cafe, established by Pamberi Trust to give story-tellers a platform for the revival of the ancient art.  This month the microphone will be reserved for two well-

known Zimbabwean writers, Virginia Phiri and Barbara Nkala, reading wonderful stories from the book at an early evening event, suitable for the whole family.

Folktales are an important component of the intangible cultural heritage of humanity. Non-literate societies used folktales to socialize their young; they are an important part of tradition, which is an essential aspect of the identity of every ethnic group.  Folktales have a multifunctional role, especially in African societies where they entertain, educate and bring out critical thought, world view, philosophy and values.

The folktales in ‘Kolobeja’ were researched, collected and translated from theNdebele language by author Pathisa Nyathi who will also attend the event. Pathisa Nyathi was born at Sankonjana in the Kezi area of Matobo District and taught at several secondary schools before being appointed lecturer at Gweru Teacher’s College and later becoming head of Gloag High School in 1985.  He subsequently became the Deputy Provincial Education Director, a post he held until his retirement in 2004.  Presently, he works as a consultant and resource person for the Culture Fund of Zimbabwe Trust.  Pathisa is a published poet, playwright, actor, historian and biographer.  

The two readers Virginia Phiri and Barbara Nkala have a respectable background in the arts. Virginia Phiri was born in Mzilikazi Township, Bulawayo and now lives and works in Harare.  Virginia is well known for her three books 'Desperate', 'Destiny' and 'Highway Queen'.  Barbara Nkala is an author, editor, translator, motivational speaker and elder in her church who holds a Master of Arts in Leadership and Management. She is the former National Director for International Bible Society Zimbabwe and currently sits on a number of humanitarian boards.  The Story-Telling event is free, and all people are welcome.