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Book sheds light on challenges young South Africans face

22 June 2016

The book Writing What We Like: A New Generation Speaks is described by one of its contributors as a snapshot of what smart, young black South Africans think about. In honour of Youth Month, associate editor Yolisa Qunta shares her feedback on the ideas brought up by her fellow essayists.

Yolisa Qunta, an associate editor and contributor to Writing What We Like: A New Generation Speaks, shares insight on the thought process behind the book.

The topics in the book range from black tax, racism, living a privileged life, to lessons learnt in a taxi, and thoughts on the education system. Writers include former speaker of Parliament Max Sisulu's son Shaka Sisulu, musician Simphiwe Dana, actors and comedians Sivuyile Ngesi and Loyiso Gola.

The aim of the book

Qunta's introduction reads: "The struggle to free South Africa was a long and well-documented one. Books, movies, songs, poems and paintings illustrate the hardships of living under colonialism and apartheid, and record the tremendous sacrifices made by those who fought to overthrow the system.

"However, since 1994 very little has been written about life in this brave new world."

Qunta says she deliberately only chose young black South Africans to write essays. "I wanted our voices to be heard. Tony Morrison said 'If there's a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.'"

She explained in an interview with the South African Broadcasting Corporation that she had been looking for literature about her generation but couldn't find anything. "I do like to read a lot. It's just that there were not really a lot of books being published by people my age."

"It was the older generation telling their history. I think that it's fine for us to have blogs because we live in the digital age. I also thought it was important to write a book so that we can have a tangible evidence of exactly was going on at this time."

She says it is an interesting time to live in. "It's important to keep the history, create a legacy. Someday our kids will ask about this time in our lives, then we can hand them the book."

The book's title is influenced by the late struggle hero Steve Biko's compilation book I Write What I Like. "A lot of the contributors were referencing Biko in their essays. I didn't know they would, but it was a pleasant surprise," says Qunta.

Prompting discussions to make South Africa a better place

In an interview on the local television show Prontuit, comedian and contributor to the book David Kau was asked whether white people would be offended that the book is a compilation of black writers.

"It should be an opportunity for them to understand where we come from and what we are trying to say," he responded. "I think we rushed to embrace the concept of a rainbow nation. Now there's all these things underneath that are only coming to the surface now, things we actually never sat down and dealt with.

In his essay, blogger Seitiso Ntlothebe explained that being one of the few university educated people in his community brings with it expectations. With an education comes the expectation of employment, with employment comes the understanding that he will provide for his family. It is referred to as "black tax" - where you have to start being a financial provider for your parents and siblings. It's a situation many young black professionals can identify with, but one that is alien to their white colleagues especially.

Qunta says she feels that after people had bought the book and read it, it would be good to create a platform to discuss these issues. "In this country I feel often we don't engage each other so if it's a good starting point where people are like 'oh this is what you think, this is what I think'. To start having that conversation about how to make South Africa better."

Feedback

Qunta, a resident of Cape Town, says she often feels like she has to pinch herself because the reception towards Writing What We Like: A New Generation Speaks has been good. "I have gotten good reviews in the media and by followers on Twitter. It is a great feeling."

She says although she gets nervous at the beginning of a book launch or an interview, she is happy to have back-up. "I didn't author the book alone, so I am told 'you can bring some of the others [contributors].' To have their voices is important. It also gives me a certain sense of comfort."

Advice to aspiring authors

Although Qunta says she is not qualified to give advice yet, she recommends the following: "Just do it! Don't think about it, just write."

She says when she started working on Writing What We Like: A New Generation Speaks it was a lonely process. "I wasn't sure if anyone would care to buy this. It is my first book, but I am happy and I am proud of every single one of the 23 contributors who helped me make this a reality."

Watch Qunta talk about her editing journey:

SouthAfrican.info reporter