Introducing Mpande yeHlumelo Publishing, Media, and Services Pty Ltd

Get to know Mpande yeHlumelo, a publishing company based in the Western Cape, South Africa. The company was established in 2019 with a mission to nurture and grow fresh literary talent. Learn more about Mpande yeHlumelo’s journey in publishing in South Africa including the company's involvement in the #LockdownSiyabhala initiative.

Can you tell us a bit about Mpande yeHlumelo?

Founded by Delightful Dudu Xaba in 2019, Mpande yeHlumelo Publishing, Media, and Services Pty Ltd was ?named in honour of our founder’s two beloved grandchildren: Mpande, meaning "The Root of a Tree," and Hlumelo, meaning "The Sprout." Just as roots anchor and strengthen a tree, and sprouts signify new beginnings, our name embodies our mission to nurture and grow fresh literary talent. We are dedicated to helping writers of all genres take root and flourish, turning their stories into enduring, beautiful works.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

Since our inception, we've proudly guided the creation of fifteen diverse books, including compelling memoirs, captivating children’s tales, stirring poetry collections, and insightful academic works.

During the COVID-19 lockdown, we spearheaded the #LockdownSiyabhala initiative with Pearson South Africa, training seventy-two emerging authors in eleven of South Africa's official languages. This initiative highlighted our commitment to inclusivity and cultural diversity, making a significant impact on the literary scene.

OUR VISION

To build lasting legacies in the publishing world and create a profound footprint through the power of words.

OUR MISSION

We aim to transform the publishing landscape from an exclusive domain into fertile ground where new voices can thrive. By providing essential support and resources, we help authors turn their dreams into significant legacies. Our goal is to make publishing an accessible journey for anyone with a story ready to grow and blossom.

What markets do you publish books for?

We cater to a diverse range of markets:

1. General Literary Market: This includes fiction, non-fiction, poetry, and children’s books aimed at a broad audience. These works are made available as e-books, paperbacks, and hard copies through platforms like Amazon KDP and the company’s own website.

2. Academic Market: Focused on scholarly and educational content, Mpande yeHlumelo partners with EBSCO to distribute high-quality academic books to libraries and students. This includes research, academic theses, and other educational materials.

3. Emerging Authors: The company specifically supports first-time authors and those looking to break into the publishing world. This market benefits from Mpande yeHlumelo's comprehensive publishing and ghost-writing services.

4. Cultural and Multilingual Market: Through initiatives like the #LockdownSiyabhala, which involved training authors in multiple South African languages, Mpande yeHlumelo engages with culturally diverse and multilingual markets.

By serving these varied markets, Mpande yeHlumelo aims to support a wide spectrum of literary voices and academic needs.

How has the industry changed in recent years? How do you think it will evolve in the future??

Recent changes in the industry include:

1. Digital Transformation: The rise of e-books, audiobooks, and digital publishing platforms has revolutionised the industry. Digital content is more accessible, often more affordable, and offers new ways for readers to engage with books.

2. Self-Publishing Boom: Advances in technology and platforms like Amazon KDP have made self-publishing more accessible. Authors can now publish their work without traditional gatekeepers, which has democratised the publishing process.

3. Diversity and Inclusion: There has been a growing emphasis on diversifying the voices and stories represented in publishing. Publishers are increasingly seeking to include authors from underrepresented backgrounds and tackle a broader range of subjects.

4. Hybrid Publishing Models: The rise of hybrid publishing combines aspects of traditional and self-publishing. Authors often work with publishing companies that offer some level of support while retaining greater control over their work.

6. Social media and Influencer Marketing: Social media has become a crucial tool for book promotion. Influencers, book bloggers, and online communities play a significant role in shaping reading habits and driving sales.

In terms of the future evolution of our industry, we anticipate:

1. Increased Use of Artificial Intelligence: AI could impact various aspects of publishing, from content creation and editing to personalised recommendations and marketing strategies. AI might help in predicting successful trends and automating some aspects of the publishing process.

2. Growth of Audiobooks and Interactive Media: Audiobooks are expected to continue growing in popularity, and interactive media (like enhanced e-books with multimedia elements) might become more prevalent, offering a richer reader experience.

3. Sustainability and Eco-Friendly Practices: There will likely be a push towards more sustainable publishing practices, including eco-friendly materials and processes to reduce the industry's environmental footprint.

4. Global Market Expansion: As digital publishing continues to grow, publishers might increasingly target international markets, making books more accessible to a global audience and expanding the reach of various genres.

Please share some insights regarding publishing in an African context? Challenges or highlights??

Challenges:?include limited access to affordable printing and distribution infrastructure, which can impede the reach of published works. Additionally, there is often a lack of widespread literacy programmes and a market for African-language books, hindering local authors' opportunities. Economic instability and political factors also affect the viability of publishing ventures.

Highlights: feature a growing digital landscape that offers new avenues for African authors to reach global audiences. The rise of self-publishing and hybrid models is empowering local writers to bypass traditional barriers. There is a rich diversity of stories and perspectives that are increasingly gaining recognition, fostering a unique literary voice on the global stage. Initiatives focused on promoting African literature and increasing accessibility to books are paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant publishing scene.

What excites you most about the future of publishing in Sub-Saharan Africa??

What excites me most about the future of publishing in Sub-Saharan Africa is the increasing emphasis on indigenous language literature. As digital platforms expand, there's a growing opportunity to publish and promote works in local languages, preserving cultural heritage and reaching wider audiences. This shift not only empowers African authors to share their stories in their native tongues but also enriches the global literary landscape with diverse perspectives. The integration of technology and local languages is paving the way for a more inclusive and vibrant publishing scene, celebrating Africa's rich linguistic and cultural tapestry.

What are your top books at the moment?

Phekolo Afro-centric healing modality for rape survivors by Dr Palesa Makhale

In this academic book, Dr. Mahlangu addresses the urgent need for culturally sensitive psychological support for rape survivors in South Africa. Despite the high rates of sexual violence, with over 42,000 rapes reported in 2019/2020 alone, many survivors face barriers to effective healing due to the lack of culturally relevant services. This book highlights the gap in psychological care, where Western methodologies often fail to align with the African worldview and the holistic needs of survivors.

She advocates for the integration of African traditional healing practices, which acknowledge the interconnectedness of physical, psychological, and spiritual dimensions of trauma. Unlike Western approaches, these practices consider the survivor’s cultural and spiritual context, offering a more comprehensive form of support. The book explores how traditional healers address the entire person, including their ancestral connections, through natural remedies and rituals.

By centering African perspectives and challenging the dominance of Western practices, the book provides a crucial framework for developing more inclusive and effective therapeutic methods. It aims to bridge the gap in support services and empower therapists to offer healing that respects and restores the survivor's full personhood.

Available through EBSCOhost Collection Manager and GOBI .

The social benefits of playing golf by Dr A. Nontso

Dr. Andile Nontso revolutionises the perception of golf as an elitist sport. With unwavering determination, he tackles the myths of golf’s high costs and exclusivity, proposing innovative solutions to make the sport accessible to previously disadvantaged communities. His book advocates for golf programs in schools and highlights the role of charitable organisations in funding these initiatives. His pioneering vision aims to transform golf into an inclusive sport, nurturing future professional golfers from all backgrounds. His book is a transformative call to action, setting the stage for a new era in golf.

Available through EBSCOhost Collection Manager and GOBI .

Financial Management in Education by Mr A.N. Lumkwana

This is your go-to resource for effective school financial management. Designed for education officials, governing bodies, and staff, this book demystifies the complexities of school finance with straightforward, actionable advice. It tackles the challenge many non-financial leaders face—handling large budgets with limited financial knowledge—by offering clear, practical strategies for managing school resources. With fourteen easy-to-follow chapters, this guide covers essential aspects of financial management without the jargon, making it accessible and useful for everyone involved in school finances. This book aims to empower you to handle school finances confidently and responsibly, ensuring that your school’s financial management is both effective and accountable.

Available through EBSCOhost Collection Manager and GOBI .

Integrated Information Governance Framework by Dr Refiloe Mabaso

Dr. Mabaso’s book makes a groundbreaking contribution to the field of information and knowledge management in South Africa, addressing the pressing need for effective governance within government agencies. By examining the fragmented approaches to information governance at Air Traffic Navigation Services (ATNS), the book highlights systemic challenges faced by many public sector organisations. It reveals how these fragmented practices hinder the efficiency and effectiveness of information management, underscoring the need for a transformative shift in perspective.

Available through EBSCOhost Collection Manager and GOBI .

Any exciting developments or new releases?

We’re eagerly anticipating the release of three exciting new books:

1. The Gift of Singleness by Dr. Refiloe Mabaso – This inspiring biography explores the unique journey and insights of single life, offering a fresh perspective on personal growth and fulfillment.

2. Raped, She Cried by Delightful Dudu Xaba – A powerful and poignant account that delves into the harrowing experiences of sexual violence, shedding light on the struggles and resilience of the survivor.

3. The Impact of Principals’ Workload on Grade 12 Academic Performance in Eastern Cape Schools by Dr. Andile Nontso – An insightful academic study examining how the demands placed on school principals affect the academic outcomes of high school students in the Eastern Cape.

Available soon through EBSCOhost Collection Manager.