‘Budding writers face numerous challenges’

By Hileni Nembwaya
PROMINENT writer and author, Angula Ndjembo says the writing industry in Namibia is one of the most neglected, in spite of the vital role literature plays in the education sector.
Many authors, especially beginners, are said to have no knowledge and skills of editing and proof reading.
Ndjembo made these remarks in Oshakati last week during the launch of a book titled, ‘Affirmative Repositioning – Awakening A Generation’ written by AR activists Job Amupanda, Dimbulukeni Nauyoma and George Kambala.
“The writing industry is neglected in Namibia. It appears as if it does not exist. It cannot be compared with the music industry. This is exploitation of our writers and people need to take writers seriously,” said Ndjembo.
He said that many of the youth do not have a culture of reading and some do not want to read novels and books written in their mother tongue.
“People do not read. They are not interested in reading. Some do not want to read books in their mother tongue, especially the youth. It is really a shame for a person who is an offspring of Oshiwambo speaking parents, but mentions openly that they do not want to read novels written in Oshiwambo. Many of our political leaders have spent many years in exile but still speak Oshiwambo fluently,” he said.
Ndjembo noted that many writers are dictating readers to read what they feel, think or want them to read when some of their titles are not well selected.
A lack of protective measures against unauthorised reproduction of writers’ books, writers’ working in isolation and the policy of 10 percent loyalty are also said to be some of the factors hampering the writing industry in the country.
“The above mentioned facts indicate that writers are mostly hit and this can also discourage and demoralise them, therefore some writers stop writing,” he emphasised.
Ndjembo is a well-known author who has written numerous novels in Oshiwambo.
Many of his novels are used for literature in schools across the country.