Writer of the 1972 classic Ndebele novel, “Wangithembisa Lami” (You promised me) has died.
He died on Friday.
This was confirmed by close family members and friends, Nomusa Jowah (Nee Makhalisa) and Davies Ndumiso Sibanda.
The veteran novelist had a passion for the preservation of the Ndebele language, he had recently penned “Sithini IsiNdebele,” which was about the usage of the language and was published by Radiant Publishing and Barbra Clara Makhalisa Literary Trust (BCMNLT).
The Brethern in Christ devotee was born in 1932 at Malole in Filabusi, Matebeleland South. He went to school at the age of ten and completed his Teacher Training course in 1949 at Matopo Mission.
He taught at Filabusi School before proceeding to Goromonzi Secondary School where he passed Form Four in 1953 and was then appointed Headmaster in charge of 18 teachers at Mzinyathini School in Mzingwane district until 1957.
Mpofu completed his A’ Level education through distance learning before embarking on BA degree studies with the UNISA and later went to University of Zululand, South Africa for a year to complete his BA degree.
He wrote his first novel, ‘Akusoka lingelasici’ which won his first literary prize at that time.
He wrote many school text books and short stories.
Apart from being an accomplished veteran novelist and teacher, Mpofu held several top positions in the Ministry of Education including being an Educational Officer and later Regional Director of Eduaction in Matebeleland South and Bulawayo before retirement.
Some of the books that Mpofu has written include, UMaweni, Izenzo Zomuntu and collection of short stories in the publication, Umchilo Wamakhosikazi.
Burial arrangements are yet to be announced.
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