It is no secret that our online library has created a platform where writers meet and learn from one another. Through their words, they gain access to a world that celebrates their individual stories and diverse backgrounds. One such example is the Thwala sisters from KwaZulu-Natal who came across FunDza through our Facebook page and have been reading, writing and entering our competitions consistently. They aim high and are often selected as top performers… so we thought it’s time we got to know these Thwala sisters a little better, and to find out what makes them tick! We sent them some questions, and this is what they had to say…
Kwandile Thwala
Tell us about yourself.
My name is Kwandile Thwala. I am 17 years old living near to Durban. What I love most about my community is the variety of people you find, you never know a person, or their lives – I learnt that from the friends I have. I am currently in matric and in my spare time, I read and write a lot. I am a social media addict too. If I am not on social media then I am doing my schoolwork which takes up most of my time. As a social media addict, I randomly found the FunDza page on Facebook when scrolling through it last year. I think it was meant to be because I enjoy reading and writing. I’m sort of obsessed with it if I am being honest.
Do you and your sister read and write together?
We spend most of our time together. So there’s that bond. I literally force my sisters to listen to the short stories & novels from school. They are just as interested in the books. From the beginning I bounce ideas past her, and then she edits my work. We can’t critique ourselves, so we opt to do it for each other.
Do you want to write more?
I have set a goal to write a short novel as soon as I finish this school year. I always jot down ideas that come to me, to develop it.
What does connecting with FunDza mean for you?
Reading and writing on FunDza saves me from boredom. The most recent FunDza course I was a participant in, gave me practical tips to improve my writing. I got to meet a group of people, who shared the same love I have for reading. I didn’t know they existed.
Why do you enjoy writing?
The writing industry is always ready to welcome a bright mind with fresh eyes. Give them that. I love writing because I feel seen and recognised when I put down my words on to a paper… I feel understood.
Zonke Thwala
Tell us about yourself and your home life.
My name is Zonke Thwala, I’m 14 years old. Life in our community is quiet, except for during weekends of course. On either end of our property there are taverns, a church, and a mosque – so it’s quite an odd place to live in.
What are you doing at the moment?
I’m in the 9th grade at Secondary School. In my spare time, I sharpen my drawing skills, read, and watch TV.
How did you connect with FunDza?
I found out about Fundza from my sister. There was a competition running at the time. I saw it as a good way to spend my time. Particularly as my love for reading is the greatest – I am without a doubt your average bookworm! The stories expand my vocabulary. And the writing skills I pick up from my reads come in handy in my English P3 tests.
Do you enjoy working with your sister?
Yes, she edits my stories. She always understands exactly what I want to say, she often takes the words out of my mouth.
Do you want to write more?
I aim to enter more writing competitions, even outside FunDza. It might sound like a cliché, but practice makes perfect. And there are lots of opportunities out there. You just have to look.
What has connecting with FunDza meant to you?
Reading and writing on fundza.mobi has given me purpose, I love it a lot.