PICTURE: SUPPLIED/ INGA MKALALI
Author and former Mr Teen Heritage winner, Inga Mkalali, recently published a book with Xhosa short stories and poems titled Hamba Ubuye.
Inga hails from a small village in Ngqamakhwe called Sihlabeni. He is easily a jack of all trades, as he is a radio and TV presenter, model, actor, storyteller, voice-over artist, writer and a performer.
The 19-year-old recently sat down with BONA to unpack the inspiration behind his book. Speaking with the publication, Inga shared that the title of his book Hamba Ubuye was inspired by the words of her late grandmother, Nophumzile Mkalali.
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“She would stand by the door whenever I left for school and say, ‘Hamba ubuye mntwana wam’. Those words became a seed in my heart. They meant more than just ‘go and come back’, they meant go and chase your dreams, but never forget where you come from,” said Inga.
Hamba Ubuye is a Xhosa literary collection that brings together 10 poems and two short stories, speaking directly to the lived realities of the communities. Inga revealed to us that the short poems were all written in 2021, and the short stories were completed in 2024.
“When I was writing them, I honestly did not know that one day they would become a published book.
“The book primarily targets lovers of African literature, especially isiXhosa poetry and short story readers. It is also suitable for isiXhosa learners, schools, educators and cultural institutions,” he said.
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The determined and hard-working young man is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Education Degree at Walter Sisulu University (WSU), in Mthatha campus. Alongside this, he is studying towards a National N Diploma in Public Relations at Must Graduate Academy.
Offering a word of advice to youngsters who would love to pursue their dreams the same way he has, Inga said: “Do not allow your background to limit your vision. The journey may be long, and sometimes you may lose yourself along the way but always remember, kuyabuyeka emaphupheni akho (you can return to your dreams).
“We plan as human beings, but God decides and His timing is always perfect. You will fall and face challenges, but never forget who you are and where you come from. Go out and explore greener pastures, but never forget who you are and where you come from. Go out and explore greener pastures, but always come back to your purpose. Hamba ubuye, leave grow and learn, but return stronger, wiser and ready to make a difference,” he added.
Also see: Zoom in on Inga Mkalali, the public choice winner for Mr Teen Heritage SA
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