Author Styx Mhlanga is set to launch a new Ndebele novel, Esizibeni Sengwenya, which explores the human cost of war through themes of love, loss and sacrifice during the liberation struggle.
The book tells the story of a former guerrilla fighter whose return home after the war is marked not by celebration, but by personal tragedy, reflecting the complex realities faced by many veterans.
Speaking to CITE, Mhlanga said the novel was inspired by Zimbabwe’s history of conflict and the often-overlooked personal stories that emerge from war.
“In our nation we have had many wars and many battlefields. In any war there are stories, including love stories. The same applies to the war of liberation,” he said.
The central character, Mhlanga explained, is driven by the hope of reuniting with his family after fighting in what he believes was a just war, only to discover that his wife has married someone else.
“He comes back happy, driven by the spirit to return to the wife he loved and the child he left behind, only to find that life has moved on without him,” Mhlanga said.
The novel’s cover also draws heavily on historical symbolism, depicting guerrilla fighters crossing the Zambezi River under cover of darkness, a reference to the dangers and sacrifices endured during the war.
Although Esizibeni Sengwenya will be officially launched on Friday, 19 December, Mhlanga said the writing process began several years ago and was frequently interrupted by work and family responsibilities.
He started writing the book in 2017 while working as a speech and drama coach at Prince Edward High School in Harare, often returning to the manuscript after long breaks.
“Writing the book was not an event, it was a journey,” he said, describing the challenges faced by writers who are not able to work full-time on their craft.
Beyond the personal narrative, Mhlanga said the novel is intended to honour liberation war veterans and preserve their experiences for future generations, noting that many of those who fought are still alive today.
He also stressed the importance of documenting history in indigenous languages, saying the book celebrates the richness of Ndebele and its continued relevance.
“We need to document our experiences so that generations to come can know how far we have come,” he said, adding that new technologies could help the book reach wider audiences through audio formats.
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