What inspires you to write?

I would have to say change, I want to see young people live a better life than I did. I want them to make informed decisions, for them to understand that there is nothing wrong with them being different at all. They were born to be unique and to fulfil a purpose, that comes with different super powers to the next person. 

Do you think there is a difference between a writer and an author?

No, we are all story tellers just using different spaces. These to me are just terms that help people understand which space one belongs in. 

What is it about the diaspora experience that made you want to contribute to this anthology?

This opportunity came to me when I was reflecting on what my life would look like if I stayed in this country for another 3 years and I realized that I would be extremely unhappy. The stories I tell are the reason why I know this is not my final destination. 

How do you think your works in this anthology contribute to the history and future of the Zimbabwean dispersion? 

It is my hope that people realize that we can run as far as we want but nothing is more important than being around the people we love. NO  amount of money will ever give you peace and happiness - you need a  community of your own. You may try to rebuild it, but the bricks are very different. Human beings have a way of reminding you that you do not belong in a space and you will feel it!

Briefly describe your writing journey, from how you started to where you are today.

My journey has been of growth. I started writing at a very young age and at          that time I was more into poetry and I used it to pour out how I felt because my upbringing was a little tough on me. Then I got into blogging, again as a ranting space, and then I got lost on the imitation train. I had not found my reason and voice, then a period of reflection opened my eyes to an avenue I obviously belonged in. And that is how I landed myself on THE JOURNEY OF BECOMING.

How do you want your work to be remembered?

This is very hard, because people always take things differently once you have let it out to the public. My hope is that people remember it as uplifting, heartfelt and funny.

Would you like to share anything about yourself to help your readers connect with you?

Please remember that I am a human being on this journey with you, I am bound to make mistakes and it’s through those very mistakes that I learn. Correct me with love instead of cancelling me, because you then rob me of the opportunity to learn through you too. 

Who is your favourite writer and why?

I am stuck between Danielle Steel and Chimamanda Ngozie Adichie.

What are your future writing aspirations?

Definitely to write more books, both fictional and non-fictional and to open up my blog into a space of stories by many other writers to share on their journeys of becoming.

What is your biggest dream?

I love talking to people and having fun, meaningful conversations so definitely a talk show on television! It seems out of reach now, but  I trust that the universe is working in my favour.

BRILLIANCE OF HOPE

Editors’ note on Nobuhle's 3 stories:

Just Ask for Help! is a touching autobiography detailing the relocation from Zimbabwe to South Africa to make a life for oneself. The trials that come with trying to do things alone, how a helping hand can spur you on and change your life for the better, are some of the messages in this story. It is harder to ask for help when you are away from home, for so many reasons – but mostly the fear of being mocked and judged. Because everyone seems to be competing against one another, people in the diaspora live in isolation a lot more than they do back home. A good read which carries important life lessons that many will relate to.

What It Means to Be a Foreigner in South Africa journals the hardships the author faces as a foreigner in South Africa. From the meagre pay to xenophobia, wishing she could go back home, but remaining in the dire situation across the border - because only suffering and heartache await in Zimbabwe. This is an authentically delivered account that paints a picture of what life is like for a lot of Zimbabweans in South Africa - distressing.

It’s Not Always the Final Destination inspires learning the importance of being yourself and not living according to other people’s standards. Showing yourself the love and attention you truly deserve ultimately starts with you. This is a great essay detailing how healing from childhood trauma can emancipate you mentally, emotionally, spiritually and financially. It is a piece that will hopefully help some readers to find it within themselves to seek that sort of freedom in different areas of their lives. Acknowledging one’s troubled past is one thing that needs confronting in order for any progress to manifest for anybody who comes from a traumatised place.