A Cofimvaba-born author had dreamt of studying business management at Walter Sisulu University but was left disappointed when her application was rejected.
But now Siphokazi Patuleni, 30, a college dropout, has all the reasons to smile as her novel, Iziphumo Zemfihlo, was selected as part of WSU’s prescribed reading material in 2024 for first-year BA literary studies students.
Patuleni, from Qumanco village, published Iziphumo Zemfihlo, which is written in isiXhosa, in 2020. It is co-authored by Nkuthalo Tyutulo.
Four years later, after having sold about 200 copies by hand, her book received recognition from WSU.
The young author said it felt surreal.
When penning the book, she had not imagined it would one day be recognised by an institution of higher learning.
“Writing is my life. But never in my wildest dream had I thought that one day my book would be featured in a university,” she said.
“It sounded too good to be true. I’m just a village girl from Qumanco so this to me is a privilege.
“Our backgrounds indeed do not define our destiny.”
Patuleni said her dream was realised after WSU lecturer Dr Yolisa Madolo was blown away by her book after having ordered it.
“She said my book deserves to be in Walter Sisulu University’s curriculum.
“And just like that she started ordering copies for her students,,” a beaming Patuleni said.
She has also authored another isiXhosa book, Zonke Ziyedlula, which was published in 2017.
An elated Patuleni, whose love for writing was inspired by playwright John Kani and the author of UThembisa noMakhaya, DT Mtywaku, said she felt validated.
“This means I have a career in writing. This is the biggest highlight of my life so far.
“This is a privilege to me and I’m proud because this book is written in isiXhosa, a language that is taken for granted nowadays.
“This shows everyone that we can become something with our own language — isiXhosa,” she said.
Iziphumo Zemfihlo is also available at Clark’s bookshop and Central Library in Cape Town.
The novel is about a man, Dumisani, who leaves his pregnant wife in the rural areas because of work.
He then has a love affair with a rich woman, but does not tell her about his wife.
She then promises to share her wealth with him if they get married.
After marrying her and having a son, Dumisani stops returning home to his first wife.
His first wife then relocates to Cape Town with her daughter.
Not knowing they are siblings, Dumisani’s son and daughter meet at the University of Cape Town, where they fall in love.
After the daughter falls pregnant, everything is revealed.
Madolo said the book, which would be part of the 2024 academic year, depicted reality and that her students resonated with it.
“I got intrigued by the storyline and then found it interesting to share with the students.
“It was appealing to the students because it’s set in the times we live in,” Madolo said.
Patuleni said: “The reviews are good. Nothing makes me sleep better at night knowing there are students at the university that are writing and reading about my book and they pass.”
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