Author Nozizwe Cynthia Jele has recently launched a publishing company, Happiness Books, which will specialise in books written in isiZulu.
The first two releases are Sesizophila Ngale Ndlela, a translation of Jele’s novel The Ones with Purpose, and Izinkabi: Yasho Inganono, Laphalala Igazi, a translation of Nathi Olifant’s Blood, Blades and Bullets: An Anatomy of a Glebelands Hitman.
Jele spoke to The JRB Editor Jennifer Malec about the challenging process of translating and producing books in indigenous languages.
Jennifer Malec for The JRB: Congratulations on the launch of Happiness Books! What prompted you to decide to launch an isiZulu-focused publishing house, and what has the reception been like so far?
Nozizwe Cynthia Jele: There is general excitement about the concept of publishing popular fiction and non-fiction in indigenous languages. I know a few other writers are going back to publishing in their mother tongue, so that’s exciting. However, there is a lot of work to be done to develop the market (that reads for pleasure) in the same way it has been for English readers. The readers are there, but we’re still figuring out the right distribution model to reach them. Bookstores alone are not the solution, so we’re tapping into e-commerce platforms like Takealot, the Happiness Books website and Amazon. We’re also working to get our books into libraries and learning how to leverage social media platforms more effectively. Book clubs are gold, as we all know, but we haven’t figured out where to find them yet for this market.
The JRB: One of your first releases is a translation of your own 2018 novel, The Ones with Purpose (which, as you know, I loved). What was the translation process like? Did you encounter any challenges?
Nozizwe Cynthia Jele: I started Happiness Books with the vision of incorporating indigenous languages into the product mix. The publishing house was the first step. I am grateful to Business and Arts South Africa and the Presidential Employment Stimulus Package for funding small businesses and making this project possible.
For the translation, I worked with Nozipho Khumalo, who teaches isiZulu and has a deep love for the language. This was her first full-length novel translation, so naturally, there were some teething problems. The first translation was a learning journey for all of us.
The JRB: The other initial release is an isiZulu edition of Nathi Olifant’s Blood, Blades and Bullets, which has been translated by the author Sifiso Mzobe. How did you come to choose this book, and Sifiso as a translator?
Nozizwe Cynthia Jele: I’ve known Sifiso for a long time and am familiar with his work as a translator. When I selected Nathi’s book, Sifiso was the obvious choice, as he has also written in the crime genre. I believed it would be easier for him to handle the book. I only read Nathi’s book last year and was captivated by the story, especially by the depth of research he put into it. Nathi has previously covered stories about izinkabi, so this is a world he knows well. I was also looking for a fast-paced book to balance Sesizophila Ngale Ndlela.
The JRB: Was the translation process for Blood, Blades and Bullets a collaboration between author and translator?
Nozizwe Cynthia Jele: For this project, Sifiso worked closely with Lungisani Radebe, a language specialist, who edited the book, and Nathi was consulted throughout the process. I must admit, because we’re so accustomed to writing in English, it can feel intimidating to read and provide input in other languages.
The JRB: I’d like to ask about the cover designs of your first two releases—they are so eye-catching. Who is the designer for Happiness Books and how does the conversation between publisher and designer play out?
Nozizwe Cynthia Jele: I am fortunate to know Megan Ross, who designed the cover for Sesizophila Ngale Ndlela. My brief to her was to create something simple but which captures the essence of the story. You don’t even have to read the blurb to sense that you’re about to embark on an emotional rollercoaster ride. We went through a few designs before settling on this one. Megan is such a delight to work with.
I met Nick Ntuli who designed the cover for Izinkabi through Instagram. I follow a few creatives in the design and design-making space, which is how I came across his profile. I knew he would be the right person for Nathi’s cover. I admire how he uses and arranges objects to tell a story.
The JRB: What kind of book catches your eye as having potential as an isiZulu release?
Nozizwe Cynthia Jele: I’m drawn to books with high commercial appeal, and I would love to explore romance next. But first, I have to sell these two books.
The JRB: What are your hopes for Happiness Books in the next couple of years?
Nozizwe Cynthia Jele: To still be around! I’m appreciating how challenging it is to be a publisher. I will have to add titles in English and new work in indigenous languages to keep the business going, as translation is expensive.
The JRB: And finally, are you working on any new writing of your own? I’m looking forward to your next novel.
Nozizwe Cynthia Jele: Thank you, Jen. I am working on adapting The Ones with Purpose into a television series, and it’s quite the journey. There’s so much to learn about the TV and film medium. I am also revisiting a novel I started in 2021 while completing my MA at the University of East Anglia. It is long overdue. I can’t let another eight years pass before my next release! I feel like I’m racing against time.
- Jennifer Malec is the Editor. Follow her on X or Instagram.
