Tsakani – Thokozile ‘Jabulile’ Nhlabati (60) launched her 22-page storybook on May 24 at the Tsakane Community Hall (next to the stadium).
Guests and authors from all walks of life attended the launch of The Meeting of the Animals / Umhlangano Wezilwane with their presence.
Nhlabati’s idea of the book came while she was outside watching birds fly across the sky. Their movements made her think about how much humans learn from animals.
She said the movement of snakes inspired engineers to build and develop trains, and birds led to the development of aeroplanes. Her engaging storytelling introduces children to these broadened concepts that spark their imagination in a fun way.
Delightful Xaba, author, publisher, and CEO of Mpande Yehlumelo Publishing, said she did not enter the publishing world by accident.
The book launch took place at the Tsakane Community Hall.
She founded her company out of necessity, seeing a void in the industry that few were willing to address.
“I started this company because I saw a need. The publishing industry is extremely difficult to break into. So, I said to myself, let me start a self-publishing company,” said Xaba.
In the process of building that vision, she encountered a woman whose story would stay with her.
“Nhlabati called me after seeing an article about my work in African Reporter. And when she told me her story, I could not shake it off.
“She is an ECD teacher who has won awards. The Department of Basic Education has taken her to places across the country.
“That is when I knew this woman is passionate about early childhood development, something that we usually take for granted.
“We think crèches are just places to drop kids off while we go to work. But I have learned that the most important part of a child’s life is between pregnancy and six years old.
“Their minds are empty then and ready to be filled with something powerful, like books and language,” she added.
Xaba said Nhlabati had written a manuscript that she was eager to publish. The department had once promised to support it, but the promise never materialised. Still, her determination remained strong.
“She told me about the book. And that same passion she spoke with, she lived it. I remember I was in Gauteng for the festive season. We had tried to meet, but our schedules did not align. Then, on New Year’s Day, I suddenly remembered I had not called her.
“It was five in the morning. I was about to travel back home, and I called her. That woman got up, grabbed her manuscript, and came straight to my cousin’s house. That told me everything I needed to know about her vision and determination,” mentioned Xaba.
As a creative nonfiction author herself, Xaba was immediately impressed by the manuscript.
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“She used animals to tell a story about different modes of transport. I had never seen anything like it. That is when I knew I wanted the name of my publishing company on the back of that book,” she highlighted.
Xaba also highlighted that publishing the book was only half the journey. Together, they faced another major challenge like navigating the indigenous language.
“We realised how much we are losing our indigenous languages. There is a difference between a lion and a leopard, but even I was putting the wrong picture for the wrong word. Nhlabati would correct me, and that process brought me back to the roots of our language,” Xaba said.
The manuscript was written in English and later translated into isiZulu.
“I keep telling authors, yes, write in English if you must, but please translate it. We need books in isiZulu, isiXhosa, Sesotho and other languages. We need to teach our children in our own languages,” she insists.
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Xaba sees her role as more than just a publisher. She refers to herself as a midwife.
“People come to me pregnant with stories, and I help them give birth to their books.”
She mentioned that Nhlabati is already working on a second book, saying she encourages her every step of the way.
Nhlabati thanked everyone who attended her launch, mentioning that they have helped make her vison a reality. She also spoke about the consistent support she received from her late husband while writing her book.
“I know he is happy that my vision finally came to life. His support had always been consistent and motivational and for that, I am grateful. I am beyond grateful to have also received help and encouragement from Xaba. She believed in me from day one,” she said.
She extended her gratitude to her colleagues, friends, and family members.
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