Thanks to funding from the National Arts Council, FunDza has successfully completed a mentorship project that enabled five young emerging (and highly talented) writers be mentored to produce short stories for FunDza. There were five pairs of writers – each of whose story was connected in some way.
Here are the summaries and links to the stories produced through this project:
Nkanyezi
By Nompumelelo Zandile Makhaye (Mentee)
When Mkhulu collapses, his grandson, Nkanyezi, runs back to the village for help. They summon the sangoma, but he can’t save the old man. Then the rumours spread: Why did he die so suddenly? Was he bewitched? Who would do this, one of his wives … or a mistress in the city? And what will happen to Nkanyezi when he finds out the truth?
House of War
By Carol Campbell (Mentor)
After his mother, MaNgobese, dies, Mzwempi leaves his village to find a better life in Port Shepstone. But life is tough there and he ends up on the streets, begging. When a white farmer gives him a loaf of bread Mzwempi has no idea that when he they meets him again both their lives will be in danger …
The Adventures of Captain Kind
By Leanne Raman (Mentee)
Cash is being bullied at school. His only refuge is in the comic he draws, about a superhero he names Captain Kind. But one night a huge storm brings Captain Kind to life, and the tables are soon to be turned on the bullies!
Going Viral
By Rosie Kendal (Mentor)
Sasha is an introvert and doesn’t fit in at school, but she gets on really well with Simphiwe, who she works with at Computer Connection. She thinks he will never see her as more than a friend, until Hurricane Thor hits town and changes everything.
Love Never Dies
By Njabulo Shongwe (Mentee)
Zinhle has put her wild ways behind her. She loves Simphiwe, but on his salary he can’t give her the life she dreams of. So when a man from out of town arrives smelling of money, and invites her out, the old Zinhle resurfaces …
Victory
By Dianne Stewart (Mentor)
Zinhle is trying to get Simphiwe back after she went out with that cheater Busiso. But just when it looks like she might be succeeding, Zinhle bumps into Busiso’s girlfriend, Jabu. Why is she in Vryheid?
Chasing the Good Life
By Nokuphila Nzimande (Mentee)
Nothando is desperate: her foster mom has kicked her out. Her friend Precious is trying to persuade her to find a blesser to pay her way. When Nothando goes on a site called #Blesserfinder and posts a selfie, there is no going back …
The Babe Magnet
By Elana Bregin (Mentor)
Magcina can’t compete with his brother Prince. When the ancestors were handing out the family prizes, Prince got all of them. ‘Good-looking’ was a word invented for him. Magcina tries to up his game and lies on Facebook to try to get a girl, but something totally unexpected happens …
The Greatest Battles Are Within
By Israel Lumile (Mentee)
In the 18th century the Zulu Kingdom was all-powerful, led by the mighty Shaka Zulu who united the Nguni tribes into a single nation of Zulus. Their influence spread far and wide. Today it’s confined to KwaZulu-Natal and in the south there’s a township called Umlazi. In Shaka’s day it was a tribal community. And it is in Umlazi that this legendary tale of betrayal, war and love takes place.
Philasande and the Missing Girls
By Sifiso Mzobe (Mentor)
Young girls are disappearing in Umlazi – nineteen in the space of two years. The police are still no closer to the truth … until young Philasande disappears. Detective Cele is on the case, and this time she is determined to find the missing girl.