Time of the Writer: on winning and losing

Due to not actually living in Durban anymore, I could only attend one night of the Time of the Writer Festival in Durban this year. Nevertheless, that one night quite possibly may have been the best! Usually the night time events are discussions between two authors, facilitated by another prominent figure in the writing world. On the night that I went, the usual discussion was preceded by the announcement of the winners of a short story competition for school learners. The competition invites learners to submit short stories in English and Zulu, and the best are recognised on the penultimate night of the festival.

The second prize of the English category was won by a student at my old high school, Durban Girls High School, so I clapped rather loudly (very much like an embarrassing parent). I also saw my high school History teacher at the event. Durban might be a big city but there always seems to be a familiar face around whenever I’m home.

There was also entertainment from local music group, Nje (which is a Zulu expression meaning ‘just’). I think they’re really cool, but I haven’t been able to find much info on them (bad journalism skills I know).

The actual discussion wasn’t a discussion after all as one of the authors could not attend at the last minute. The show must go on, and so the remaining author, BD Khawula, spoke about his writing experience and gave a reading from his debut novel about a young boy who gets involved in a world of drugs and crime. I was extremely humbled, as Khawula is not a writer by profession, but instead works at the Huletts sugar factory and only writes in his spare time. His first novel, Yihlathi Leli, was not only accepted by publishers, but also won a silver prize in the Sanlam Youth Literature Awards in 2012.

Speaking with some difficulty to the audience, as English is not his first language; Khawula explained “It is not easy to be a winner. It is very easy to be a loser.” While Khawula was referring to his prize, one gets the feeling that this statement echoes his sentiments over the battle to win in life, as exemplified by his first novel; one which he hopes will soon be a set book in schools across the country.