Prominent Sithole champions the Ndau voice

BY SHARRON MYAMBO

Chikore communal are a force to reckon as far as literature is concerned. Names such as Phillip Kusasa, Sifelani Tonje and Professor Charles Pfukwa come to mind when one speaks of writing books.

To add to the list is Prominent Sithole. At just twenty-seven years old, Prominent Sithole is not merely publishing books; he is painstakingly stitching together the very fabric of Zimbabwean and pan-African heritage, one page at a time.

As the Founder and CEO of Prologue Publishing House, established in October 2022, Sithole has embarked on a journey that transcends the boundaries of commerce. His mission is a deeply personal one: to ensure that the voices of Zimbabwe, particularly those speaking in indigenous tongues, are not only heard but celebrated on a global scale. He is determined to shift the narrative from one where stories are told about Africa, to one where stories are told by Africans.

Sithole’s passion is rooted in the conviction that books are more than mere products. He termes them a legacy as they shape minds and strengthen communities. This philosophy is the engine driving Prologue Publishing House, which has quickly become a cradle for powerful narratives celebrating Zimbabwean culture, history, and contemporary life.

Central to Sithole’s work is his dedication to the Ndau language and its people. As the Founder of the Ndau Writers Association in Zimbabwe, he has created a critical platform for writers often marginalised by mainstream publishing. This initiative provides a vital space for documenting history, preserving culture, and ensuring that local experiences are recorded so that future generations will be able to read them, learn from them, and understand where they came from.

Sithole understands the demanding journey of an author, from the first flash of an idea to the final book on the shelf. His leadership at Prologue is focused on quality, authenticity, and offering new writers the foundational support they need to succeed. His own literary work, including titles such as Dzavira Miseve, Mitsangu yevaNdau, and Madzimbabwe Amuka, demonstrates a deep commitment to this cause.

His work aligns with a broader intellectual movement that advocates for the preservation of indigenous languages, a cause echoed by other writers and publishers in the region who lament the “cold shoulder” often given to dialects like Ndau, Manyika, and Kalanga .

Through his efforts, Sithole aims to ensure that these languages are not just recognised but are capable of exciting the imagination through creative art, poetry, and storytelling.

Under his stewardship, Prologue Publishing House has expanded its catalogue to include impactful works that go beyond language preservation. Titles like Pieces of Silver by Nelson Mutongi join a growing list of books that capture the essence of contemporary life in Zimbabwe. The company is committed to discovering and nurturing talent from across the continent, building a bridge for African literature to reach the world.

Yet, Sithole’s influence extends far beyond the publishing house. He is a mentor, a community builder, and an outspoken advocate for literacy. He works closely with schools, writers’ groups, and cultural organisations to promote reading, writing, and the business of books. He sees these efforts as a way to build a sustainable literary ecosystem.

In a world where narratives are often dominated by a few voices, Prominent Sithole stands as a powerful counterweight. His ambition is simple yet profound: to empower a generation of writers to document their own stories, in their own languages, and place them firmly on the world stage. For Prominent Sithole, the story of Africa is still being written, and he is determined to ensure it is told by those who know it best.