Young author promotes indigenous literature

Oshigambo-born Wilbard Ashikoto Lazarus (23) started reading Oshindonga novels while still in primary school at Oshigambo.

Lazarus, who recently launched his book titled 'Luhwango lwaAmatoye', says the book is a good collection for the classroom, as it will help pupils to grasp pure Oshindonga vocabulary and also boost their imagination and creative writing.

“Oshindonga language teachers must look no further,” says Lazarus.

He adds that Oshiwambo languages are slowly dying and it is up to authors to preserve them through writing books.

“Our Wambo culture is slowly dying due to modernisation and little is being done to save it,” he says, adding that through storytelling, he believes they can preserve it through books.

He says he wishes to see new young authors writing books in their native languages.

Besides the rich Oshindonga vocabulary, 'Luhwango lwaAmatoye' is a story that is not only interesting but also fascinating to the reader. The book is inspired by Oshiwambo folktales of jungles, ancestors and supernatural events.

'Luhwango lwaAmatoye' being the main character in the novel, is a strong and aggressive man, who has a talent for beating people.

In Oshiwambo, he can be categorised as 'epulangunga' (someone who can be a debt collector).

The story itself is fun and interesting from the very beginning.

Lazarus is working on other writings and wishes to publish many more.

He can write speeches and essays in Oshindonga and can be contacted at 0812460653, email: wilbardlazarus@outlook.com

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