Laudanekwa Itumba, an Oshiwambo language graduate from the University of Namibia’s Hifikepunye Pohamba Campus, has made her debut in the literary world with a captivating book that reflects her evolution as a writer.
The Oshiwambo language book titled, ‘Onyika Yepumba’ carries the theme of pride and prejudice, and traces her journey from casual secondary school storytelling to becoming a vibrant language enthusiast.
“Through reading this book, one would get to understand how pride and prejudice could make one disrespect other people. One could even end up being inconsiderate just because of pride. Also, people get to learn that there are people in our societies who are looked down upon by others as a result of belonging to a certain family, tribe or just because of their physical appearance,” she explained.
Itumba’s passion for writing first emerged during her secondary school years.
In an interview with Youth Corner, she fondly recounted her humble beginnings, describing how her early writing was simply a means of entertaining her friends and alleviating the boredom that often accompanies hostel life for students. Even then, her innate talent for weaving engaging narratives was evident, as her stories quickly gained popularity among her peers.
“As a hostel student in grade eight, I would write short stories and hand them out to my friends to read. It was a way to pass the time and share some laughter,” Itumba recalled with a smile.
As a student, she managed to make time and write her book as she was eager to do something productive. She managed her time and shifted her focus to things that were worth her time.
Her inspiration strikes from within, due to the love of writing and the joy that comes during the creating process.
As a sense of purpose too, she wanted to create something that will make a difference in some way. She has been reading books and felt there is something she needed to read but it was not there, so she wrote for that particular thing to inform society and create among them an awareness of the life they are living nowadays.
In addition, Itumba said, she has had the eagerness to make others understand life better.
To write in one’s mother tongue is difficult or even impossible for many children and youth, but not for Itumba.
Her book represents an opportunity to learn the Oshiwambo language in its standard form.
“I am targeting the youth, this is because it is the group that is at the level of interacting with one another in societies and everyone who can read Oshiwambo, especially those who feel discouraged in life,” she said.
“After reading this book, the reader will understand that despite life’s many struggles and challenges, there is always light at the end of the tunnel. Reading Hailonga’s story (main character) a reader will find hope even when the situation seems hopeless. Moreover, books are available countrywide,” she noted.
Find her book in Windhoek, Ruacana, Eenhana, and Ongwediva or call Itumba for more info on 0816654232.
- epicnakwezy@gmail.com