Chronicle
2 June 2010
Czech Republic Embassy will hand over the book, Kolobeja written by historian Pathisa Nyathi to the Ministry of Education, Sport, Arts and Culture.
The Minister of Education Sport, Arts and Culture, Senator David Coltart, will receive the book from the Ambassador of Czech Republic to Zimbabwe at the National Gallery of Zimbabwe in Bulawayo on Friday.
The Czech Republic Embassy sponsored the penning of the book.
The guest of honour will be Professor Phineas Makhurane. Also to give an address will be deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Moses Mzila.
The book written by Nyathi, is a compilation of Ndebele folktales, which were told in the past by elders in the society.
In an interview, Nyathi said the book comprises well-known folktales in the Ndebele society.
“The reason why I decided to come up with the compilation is that I realised that most young people don’t know folktales, hence I thought it was wise for me do the compilation and preserve our own folktales.
“If you look at what is happening in most societies, televisions have replaced grandmothers because they have become the source of entertainment whereas in the traditional society they used to tell folktales which were of great importance to the society.
“They carried societal values that used to guide children from misdemeanors. I hope that this book will play the same role in entertaining and educating the young,†he said.
The book was nominated for the 2009 National Arts Merit Award.
Different artistes in the city are expected to attend the event.