About the Author
At 34, Shakandinnyi Rodney Ramulifho is an author who has written 56 Tshivenḓa and English books (5 Novellas). He has translated his Tshivenḓa children's book into all eleven (11) official languages guided by language experts including Braille working with BlindSA. His books include novels, poetry, short stories anthologies, children's books, and primary (Grade 1-7) and secondary school books (Grade 10-12).
Children's book
Shakandinnyi Rodney Ramulifho has written a great children's book, Salungano Salungano, that preserves stories passed down from generation to generation.
“This book consists of 21 fairytales passed down from generation to generation—from grandmothers to fathers and fathers to sons. And now, I am passing them down to you. These are the stories I grew up listening to. I remember looking forward to visits to different grannies in my clan, sitting on my father's lap, and listening to all the stories. The grannies would gather all the children and begin to meticulously narrate the stories that have been imprinted in their psyche, that not even old age could erase. I saw grannies transform back into their younger selves, and they saw themselves reflected in me as I listened and laughed at the crazy twists and plots. Many of my grannies are no longer alive today and I am happy I can share their stories with all of you. I hope you enjoy them!” says Ramulifho.
The stories in this book include questions to test understanding and comprehension. This book is available in all 11 official languages as well as Braille working with Blind SA.
Primary and Secondary books
Shaka has written numerous Tshivenḓa primary foundational educational books, namely “Vhavhali ndi Vhaṱali Grade 1-7 and Luambo Lwashu, Ifa Ḽashu Grade 1-5, and secondary educational books, in both English and Tshivenḓa such as Maḽa Nṋe, Swiswi ḽa Mbilu Dambudzo, The Good Pastor, Marry Me, and The Bulls of Venda.
He is an award-winning author who recently won first place as well as a R30000 cash prize from the British Council and Business & Arts South Africa during the SoCreative conference that brought together creatives from all over the world held on the 10th May 2024. He is also published under the Department of Arts, Sports and Culture Publishing Hub and ANFASA.
One of his Tshivenḓa indigenous books, “Zwanḓa Zwa Malofha” was a winner (R25000 cash prize) and signed a publishing deal with the Department of Arts, Sports and Culture Publishing Hub and ANFASA.
He has an educational background from the University of the Witwatersrand (WITS) with a degree in Finance and Information Systems, and a professional background in IT with a Global Sales Qualification working in one of the biggest multinationals in the world, IBM for over half a decade.