By Tadiwa Shunje
MASVINGO- A 52-year-old Bikita-born author has published his third novel, Ndambirira, a
Shona-language fiction book that explores witchcraft allegations, generational differences and
the conflict between traditional beliefs and modern society.
Speaking to TellZim News, the author, Simon Makumbe, said the novel challenges readers to
reflect on social practices that continue to shape communities.
“Ndambirira is a fiction on the evil practices which society, both traditional and international,
has failed to rid itself of. It examines how different generations understand these issues and the
tension between tradition and modernity,” he said.
The novel follows the lives of Maposa and village head Haka whose friendship deteriorates after
accusations of witchcraft emerge following the mysterious death of Maposa’s first wife. Through
discussions involving village elders, pensioners and young people, the story explores contrasting
views on witchcraft, morality and technological advancement.
There are also chapters where the youth and guzzling elders like Mr Manjere gather at the local
township, casually debating the ills of society, including whether witchcraft exists and in what
forms. The debates take a thought-provoking turn when some argue that even if traditional
witchcraft exists, it cannot be compared to the “witchcraft of technology” or the “witchcraft of
the white man.
Makumbe said Ndambirira was his third published book, but the journey to becoming an author
started decades ago. He said getting his first book into print was not easy after several
manuscripts went unpublished because of financial constraints and limited knowledge of the
publishing industry.
With help from a long-time friend and former classmate, Eresina Hwede, who assisted with
editing and advice, Makumbe’s first book, Trials of the Mind, was finally published by
Progressive Publishers in 2021.
Ttrials of the mind reflects on Zimbabwe’s liberation struggle and post-independence challenges
through the experiences of a generation looking back on missed opportunities.
He followed it with Bleeding Wounds in 2023, a novel focusing on relationships, marriage and
the consequences of decisions made by young people. Parts of the storyline were drawn from
ideas contained in his first unpublished manuscript.
Makumbe’s writing journey began decades ago when he was still in Form Three. His first
attempt was Unhealed Wounds, a 96-page A4 manuscript centred on youthful love affairs.
However, frustrated with the vulgarity in some sections when he reread it later, he burnt the
entire manuscript instead of editing it.
“I regretted that decision because some of the ideas were worth preserving. I later captured part
of that content in future attempts,” said Makumbe.
In early 1990, as he waited for his O-level results, he attempted another fiction
entitled Characters of a New Generation. Due to his poor background and lack of exposure, he
had no idea how to get it edited and published. He mailed it to Zimbabwe Publishing House, but
it was returned with the publisher’s comments and the costs involved were prohibitive, especially
since the whole script was handwritten.
In 1993, while a second-year student at the University of Zimbabwe, he tried again with It
Happens (Memories of Yesterdays). He approached the then writer-in-residence, Chenjerai Hove,
for feedback.
“Mr Hove advised me to take the manuscript to him for meaningful feedback, but that was never
done,” said Makumbe.
Breakthrough finally came after guidance from established writer Memory Chirere, who
suggested self-publishing.
“Chirere told me: ‘For a start, try self-publishing instead of agreements with publishers. Look for
an editor you can pay. When your script is ready, then look for someone to do typesetting and
printing,'” said Makumbe.
“The breakthrough came after I received advice to try self-publishing and have my work
professionally edited. That guidance gave me confidence to keep going until Trials of the Mind
was finally published,” he said.
Born in Nhamo Village under Chief Mukanganwi in Bikita District, Makumbe attended
Chitsanga Primary School before studying at Uchere, where he was among the pioneers, Chirima
Secondary School, and later Gutu High School.
He graduated from the University of Zimbabwe with a Bachelor of Science Honours Degree in
Politics and Administration before working for the Ministry of Education, the Ministry of Rural
Housing, and later joining the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission in 2008.
