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UFS Student Publishes Book on Love and Life in the African Context

12 April 2022 | Story Anthony Mthembu | Photo Supplied

“The reason I write is because I know that there will be a time when people such as my grandmother and her peers will not be around to tell us stories by word of mouth, hence we need to preserve the stories they tell us in black and white,” said Siphilangenkosi Dlamini.

The fourth-year Governance and Political Transformation student at the University of the Free State (UFS) is the author of a book, titled Magic and Other Authentic Experiences. The book is a compilation of 13 short stories that follow the lives of a vast pool of characters as they experience chaos, love, and tragedy, among other things.

Some of the stories highlighted in the book

The chapter ‘The House on Marloth Street’ delineates the story of a young woman named Gracious, who is forced into prostitution to earn her keep by an elder in her life. The book also sheds light on the intricacies of young love through a story titled ‘The Suicide Note’. This story follows the lives of two characters named Menzi and Lulu, whose lives reach a devastating end because of secrets, deceit, and forbidden love. However, one of Dlamini’s favourite stories in the book is titled ‘Girl on the Bus’, which is based on a real-life occurrence. “It was one of those rare experiences where you meet someone and they are full of life,” he stated.

The book is ultimately a manifestation of Dlamini’s love of literature. In fact, he argues that “these stories are a portrayal of different experiences of young people stepping into the world and trying to navigate life, love, and relationships”. This can be seen in the first story in the book, titled ‘Magic on Campus’, which is an account of Dlamini trying to pursue a young woman he met on campus, and highlighting how she made him feel.

Making strides through literature

Dlamini’s authentic storytelling led to three of his stories being selected as part of the curriculum for the English Academic Literature module, which is included in most faculties at the UFS. As many of the students at the UFS are exposed to this work, he states that, “I would love this book to symbolise the importance of telling African stories”. Although Dlamini is making strides with this book, he is still working on expanding the book’s reach. “I’m emailing bookstores every day, trying to get the book into bookstores,” he said.

Future endeavours for the young author

As someone who strongly believes in the preservation of African literature and the portrayal of African love stories in their most authentic context, Dlamini is currently working on his next project. The project would count as his first novel and is a sequel to the stories from Magic and Other Authentic Experiences. In this novel, Dlamini explores a world in which the various characters are placed in a similar setting, and the experiences they would have if their lives were to intersect.

The book is currently available for purchasing at R100 per copy. Those interested in purchasing a copy may contact Siphilangenkosi Dlamini on +27 84 374 0032 or 2018245304@ufs4life.ac.za.

Magic and Other Authentic Experiences book cover

News Archive

Environmental management – the answer to a sustainable green economy

2014-11-03

From the left are: Tshepo Moremi (Deputy Director-General), Mamotena Puleni (Personal Assistant to the Deputy Director-General) and Prof Maitland Seaman (Head of Department: Centre for Environmental Management).

Photo: Ifa Tshishonge

As part of celebrating 20 years of existence, the Centre for Environmental Management at the University of the Free State (UFS) hosted a public lecture themed, ‘The Future of Environmental Management’. Mr Tshepo Moremi, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Environmental Affairs and Tourism (Free State), portfolio Environment, Conservation and Tourism, delivered this lecture.

Mr Moremi said, “The environmental performance of South Africa must be seen in the context of our history and the country’s transition. South Africa has taken the lead in being a responsible global citizen, and we also participate in international projects in this field.”

South Africa hosts one of the richest biodiversities in the world. However, the country’s economy is still very energy - and carbon intensive.

“According to the World Health Organisation, approximately 16% of all deaths and one-third of diseases in children under the age of five years are environmentally related. Inadequate sanitation and indoor pollution are key factors,” Mr Moremi said.

“Academic institutions like the UFS and the government need to take the role of equipping citizens with skills and training so that we can overcome the challenges and seize opportunities related to the environment.

“Financing mechanisms for projects related to environmental sustainability were introduced in 2011. However, we still lack skilled capacity to run these projects smoothly and to use international and national funding strategically.

“Looking forward and responding to our challenges, it is vital that we transform our economy to be an international competitor and job-creation hub, and to be sustainably climate resilient, as outlined by the National Development Plan. Minimum standards will also be put in place to regulate emissions and monitor air quality. The sustainability of society’s well-being is important to the long-term role of environmental management in boosting our socio-economic status as a nation,” Mr Moremi said.

He emphasised that it must not only be about conserving and preserving. “Our people should benefit economically and socially,” he said.

Mr Moremi encouraged the audience to defend ideas that protect our non-speaking natural resources. “Let’s all do what we can and rise to this advocacy challenge,” he added. He also expressed his gratitude towards the university for honouring him during such a celebration and for working together in advocating for environmental issues.

The Centre for Environmental Management also hosted a strategic colloquium, discussing issues such as demography, resources, climate, water, environmental management, academic pursuance, as well as curriculum and the role of professional registration which may have an influence on the nature of its programmes.

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