Official Interview: Bongani Yona

[kandscreeley]

Today's Chat with Sarah features Bongani Yona author of Isazisi: The Book.

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View Kindle edition (Free on Kindle Unlimited)

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1. Tell us about you.

My name is Bongani Yona from South Africa. I'm a Property Administrator for a NGO which advocates for the rights of people with HIV-AIDS and TB. I'm also an independent filmmaker. I studied film and television production at City Varsity School of Media and Creative Arts in Cape Town, where I graduated with an Advanced Diploma in 2012.

2. Who has been most influential in your life?

Ordinary people who have overcome adversity under extraordinary circumstances.

3. Let's discuss Isazisi: The Book. Can you give us a synopsis for those that don't know?

Isazisi: The Book explores cultural disintegration in a contemporary African society focusing on South Africa and crossing over to the world stage. It discusses the negative impact of colonialism, politics, development, globalization, religion and sport on the culture of the native community.

4. Why was it important to you to highlight the issues in South Africa?

Culture affords people due recognition. It gives people a sense of pride in who they are. They see themselves as one through this commonality. It is also a link to their ancestral land. That is why settlers first target the native culture when they occupy land, through false narrative and systematic intercultural sexual relations, among other things.

5. What other ways would you advise to raise awareness about these issues?

Filmmaking.

6. Is there anything those in other countries can do about this situation?

Cultural erosion is not just a problem for one country. It is a problem for any country, especially developing countries that were once colonized. This is not to say developed countries are immune to the problem. As an example, the French soccer team has undergone a massive transformation in terms of identity. At a glance, one would be forgiven for mistaking the French team for an African team.

7. What's next for you?

I'm trying to get funding for my feature film Isazisi. I've pitched the idea to a cable channel and a streaming service. Still waiting for the outcomes. I'm hoping the book's success will have a positive impact on the film.

I like to end with fun questions.

8. What's your least favorite chore?

Spring cleaning.

9. What do you drink most often? Water? Coffee? Tea? Coke?

All of them interchangeably. I'm a teetotaler.

10. What is your life motto?

Live and let live.

11. Describe yourself in three words.

Gentle, honest and kind.

[Lakshyaaj J]

Great interview by the author.