Deep-space discussions and authorial camaraderie animated the Ballito Writers Club’s first meeting of the year at the Ballito Library last Thursday.
Thembeni author Dr Thabani Mazibuko was the guest speaker, sharing how his childhood fascination with space shaped his career path. He is the founder and chairperson of the South Africa Space Technology for Sustainable Development Foundation and the author of two books, Mangwe the Space Boy and Life Beyond the Kármán Line: Outer Space.
“Writing is not my passion,” Dr Mazibuko admitted with a wry smile, given his audience. “But I felt it was important to add to the body of knowledge and inspire future generations of space lovers.”
Paul Zunckel with Rita and Toine van Wetten.
Both books are aimed at young readers and Dr Mazibuko hopes children will first develop an interest in space through Mangwe, before exploring the subject in greater depth in Life Beyond the Kármán Line. An animated film version of Mangwe the Space Boy is also currently in production.
Meeting organiser Peter Gunning thanked Dr Mazibuko for his informative and engaging talk.
“I first heard about Dr Mazibuko when reading an article about him in the Courier,” said Gunning. “As soon as I saw that, I knew we needed to invite him to speak and we appreciate him taking the time out of his busy schedule.”
The Ballito Writers Club meets at 10.30am on the last Thursday of every month at the Ballito Library. The club is free to join and open to writers of all levels.
For more information, contact Gunning on 083 441 1950.
Rumua Naidoo and Thulile Mncube.
Yolande Jansen, Lesley Corfe and Maseeha Kolia.
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