Why I write in English: rejoinder to decolonising the mind

Three months ago, I undertook the most challenging task - identifying the right publisher for my novel manuscript.

Not by choice, a pool of such possible publishers is abroad. I am still hopeful someone will pick it before year-end. It is my second book. Concealed Blood is written in English. Once, a fellow journalist dared to embarrass the former president, Festus Mogae during a press conference: why do you always address kgotla meetings in English, he asked. Because I graduated from Oxford, was the curt reply from Mr. President. I think he meant that he chose English over Setswana because he is comfortable expressing himself in it, possibly having learnt it well from the prestigious institute.

We all are too familiar with the often cited, but distorted speech: "a people without a culture is a like a body without a soul." This line of argument seems to be the thesis of one Ndaba Nkomo in his article; Decolonising the Mind: What's in a language, published in Mmegi on May 21, 2010. He certainly is bemoaning the diminishing Setswana among our generation and our children's, which unarguably will deteriorate with each generation. Can anyone disagree with Nkomo on this obvious point? Not me.

Editor's Comment
Stakeholders must step up veggie supply

The Ministry of Agriculture, local producers, retailers, and industry associations must work together to overcome the obstacles hindering vegetable production and distribution.This collaborative approach is essential to improve the availability, quality, and affordability of vegetables in the market.Firstly, the Ministry of Agriculture should provide support and guidance to local farmers to enhance their productivity and efficiency. This could...

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