Not many people write in their own language says the proud award-winning author of his Setswana book.

Sabata Mpho Mokae will be launching his novel, Dikeledi, on Friday at the Galeshewe Library. This will be Mokae's second novel written in his mother tongue, Setswana. Invitation to the launch is open to the public as writers and readers from other parts of the province will also be attending the event as well as pupils at local schools in Kimberley.

"This novel is aimed at writers and readers, but most importantly the youth as we are commemorating Youth Month," Mokae said. Not many people write in their own language he said in emphasising the importance of language.

The writer said book events brought artists together to share ideas and experiences with each other. "It feels great and I am proud of myself for all the achievements so far," Mokae said. He said it had not been easy writing the second novel as the first novel had received several awards. "You do not want to disappoint your readers after doing so well with your previous work.

I had to live up to standard but I must say it was quite exciting," he said, Mokae is taking part in the International Writing Programme's fall (autumn) residency at the University of Iowa in the US in August after having been selected from among 35 writers from different countries.

Speaking about the Writing Programme, he said: "Some of the activities include workshops, panel discussions, book festivals and interacting with writers from other parts of the world." Mokae scooped two M-Net Literacy Awards for his first novel, Ga se Modisa, in the film.

This novel is aimed at writers and readers, but most importantly, the youth as we are commemorating Youth Month and Setswana categories. The writer obtained his master's degree in creative writing from Rhodes University and usually attends the province's annual writer's festival. prouinces@thenewage.co.za

Caption: LITERARY EVENT: Sabata Mpho Mokae will be launching his Setswana novel, Dikeledi, at the Galeshewe Library on Friday.

By: Mantele Moilwa

Article Source: The NEW AGE