Nozincwadi: Mother of Books - with Gcina Mhlophe (Episode 6)
The sixth episode of ‘African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe’ is a very special story. It’s written by Dr Gcina Mhlophe herself to honour her late great-grandmother, Nozincwadi, who – while unable to read or write – loved the magic of words.
"I have loved stories and books from a very young age. My childhood was filled with amazing characters, songs, and magical places. I remember the joy and wonder that filled my heart when I heard a good story. Those family times still linger inside me; they give me the courage to keep on sharing old folk tales and newly created stories with my audiences,” says Dr Gcina Mhlophe.
“So, I humbly ask them to go back in time and rekindle the spirit of my great-grandmother Nozincwadi, who couldn't read or write. But she collected anything with words on it, believing that someday she would be able to read. I'm told that she often said, 'There is magic in these words; one day they will speak to me.'
“Sadly, she died without ever reading a single one of those books. As a storyteller, I developed a strong desire to share the story of her life but took it further. In my retelling, I took Nozincwadi to an Adult Learning Centre where she finally learned to read and write. What a triumph!
“Since 2001, while telling this story, I have felt like a medium tasked with the responsibility to go out there and plant the seeds of curiosity and hunger. Yes, hunger to learn, learn, and never stop learning. This story has been told to so many audiences, published in a book, and recorded on CD as the aptly named NOZINCWADI Mother of Books Literacy Campaign. Through this roadshow, we have traveled to all nine provinces of our beautiful country and donated thousands of books in my great-grandmother's name, Nozincwadi!
“Now, on this amazing platform of East Coast Radio, we are able to reach even more story lovers – young and old. Hoping to fill their hearts with wonder.”
Listen to the podcast in either English (above) or isiZulu below. Make sure you listen right to the end for the bonus content from Dr Mhlophe, who explains more about what inspired her to write this story.
This podcast series is a proud collaboration between Gcina Mhlophe and East Coast Radio. Production Engineer: Lango Cele
How Tortoise Won Respect
Meanwhile, in a world that often values talkativeness and showy displays of knowledge, the timeless story of the tortoise who won respect serves as a powerful reminder of the untapped potential of those who may be overlooked or underestimated.
“One thing I appreciate about the story of ‘How the Tortoise Won Respect’ is its message about how we often underestimate others who don't speak much, or who may not seem particularly knowledgeable or clever. However, when faced with difficult challenges and when others have run out of ideas, it's often these seemingly overlooked individuals who can offer valuable insight and solutions that were right in front of us all along,” says Dr Mhlophe.
“I love how the tortoise in the story ultimately earned respect and saved everyone by tapping into her strengths and resourcefulness. It serves as a reminder to not judge others based on surface-level traits and to always remain open to hearing different perspectives and ideas, no matter who they come from.”
Listen to episode 5 below in either English or isiZulu.
Lalela isiqephu esisha sesiZulu ngenhla:
READ: Where all the stories began: African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe (Episode 1)
Find more stories from African Story Magic with Gcina Mhlophe in the channel below:
More about Dr Gcina Mhlophe:
Dr Gcina Mhlophe is a renowned author, storyteller and founding director of Gcinamasiko Arts & Heritage Trust. Her works have been translated into multiple languages, including Braille, and her theatre plays have been directed in the USA, UK, and Greenland.
She has been awarded honorary doctorates from seven universities globally and has received numerous accolades, such as the SAMA, OBBIE, and Joseph Jefferson Awards, as well as the SAFTA Lifetime Achievement award.
Her birthday on 24th October is recognised as National Storytelling Day in South Africa since 2019, inaugurated at her adopted performance space, The Storytelling Tree, in Durban (RSA).
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Main image attribution: East Coast Radio Podcasts