Imbiza Journal has released a new issue that celebrates the form of the short story in South African literature.

The latest issue is the fifth installment in its Volume 1 and, according to Editor-in-Chief Siphiwo Mahala, showcases some of the best that South Africa has to offer in short stories. The issue covers a range of topics and features contributions from well-known South African writers—Zukiswa Wanner, Niq Mhlongo, SSDA Prize winner Sibongile Fisher, Brittle Paper Award finalist Keletso Mopai, Commonwealth Writer’s Prize winner Duduzile Cynthia Jele, Caine Prize winner Lidudumalingani, and poet and publisher Nick Mulgrew.

Founded in 2020 by Mahala, the journal is published biannually in print and electronic formats. It aims to serve as “an inclusive publishing platform for creative writing, criticism, academic writing and intellectual engagement for African thinkers, cultural workers and activists.”

One of the major highlights in the current issue is the feature on Professor Tshobisa Peter (P.T.) Mtuze, one of the foremost scholars of isiXhosa language and literature. In his editorial remarks, Siphiwo notes that featuring Mtuze’s work is particularly resonant given that 2023 marks 200 years of isiXhosa as a written language.

There is an essay by Nthikeng Mohlele in the issue titled “Art, Capitalism and Heritage” that explores the South African tradition of the short story. Other essays include “Whiteness and the Present: Siphiwo Mahala’s White Encounters or Reading with Encounters on the Eve of Election Day” by Raquel Baker. There are also Itoro Bassey’s essay on grief in Lesley Nneka Arimah’s What it Means When a Man Falls From the Sky and Phil Ndlela’s piece on the early 20th century African classic The Wrath of the Ancestors by A. C. Jordan.

The interview section features literary podcaster Letlhogonolo Mokgoroane, co-founder of The Cheeky Natives, winner of the 2021 Brittle Paper Social Media Influencer of the Year, as well as book reviews, book extracts, essays, and features.

Congrats to the Imbiza team on rolling out yet another successful issue. To buy Imbiza, visit any major bookstore in South Africa or send an email to [email protected].