“Men should stop self-destructing when it comes to women,” says young Namibian author Kaleb Nghishidivali.
This is the underlying theme of his second book, ‘The Unforgivable Sin’, through which he aims to educate men and women on how to handle relationship issues behind closed doors. Using his personal experiences and opinions, Nghishidivali (28) said he penned the book after realising the struggles and abuse women go through at the hands of their partners, causing premature and unnecessary deaths, and endless tears to families and communities.
“All my books are meant to educate my fellow youth in all departments of life. I came up with the book to let the youth and everyone else who may need the help know not to force themselves into relationships that are clearly not healthy for them,” he added. In the book, he narrates how unnecessary it is for one to be a ‘third wheel’ in a friend’s relationship, thus overstepping boundaries and violating the other partner’s privacy.
Nghishidivali, who has been a storyteller since the 8th grade, said he always wanted to be an author but the lack of electronics in his village made it difficult.
He eventually found his way to the city – and he is currently a living testimony of being self-employed and not relying on anyone for his income.
For a few extra dollars, he helps students with their assignments. With regards to the inspiration behind his first book, ‘The Poor Man Always Blames His Tools’, Nghishidivali said it started with an observation.
“Many people in Africa and African leaders play the blame game that the Europeans took all their resources, but they are the co-authors of their own misfortunes; they elect wolves to look after goats but when their goats are consumed, they blame wolves,” he stated.
With a Junior Primary Teaching Diploma under his belt, Nghishidivali is in his final year of a journalism course at Triumphant College, Tsumeb, where he is SRC president.
Raised by his single mother, he matriculated at the Oshakati Secondary School.
He draws inspiration from Oshiwambo novelists Paavo Hasheela and Angula Ya Ndjembo.
One of the challenges he experiences as a writer is the lack of customers due to the small percentage of people who enjoy reading in the country.
Therefore, his biggest wish is for his book to be sold internationally.
“You have to read, think, observe, imitate and write,” is the advice the talented young writer has for upcoming and aspiring writers in Namibia.
“It all begins and ends with reading.”
His books are available in Tsumeb, Ongwediva and Oshakati.
Contact him on 0816714077 or 0814713304.