‘MALANGABI’ LAUNCHES BOOK OF SWAZI CULTURAL PRIDE

EZULWINI – Local researcher and writer Gordon ‘Malangabi’ Crawford launched his first book of Swaziland’s cultural adornment and artefacts. The launch took place at Lugogo Sun on Thursday night.

The book, titled ‘Sicebile’ encourages readers to discover other secret facets of Swaziland which he refers to as the hidden gem on Africa.
In the first pages, the book gives a brief history of the beautiful country, its colonial legacy and then educates readers on the cultural products which include beadwork, dolls and figurines, ritual objects, Swazi dishes, wooden headrests and traditional headwear among others.

The launch was attended by representatives from the Ministry of Education and the Swaziland National Council of Arts and Culture.
The book introduces Crawford as an ambitious and self-driven man who was born in 1954 and has lived his whole life in Africa.  He has always lived in close proximity to the various Nguni people of Malawi, Zimbabwe, South Africa and Swaziland.

The name ‘Malangabi’ was given to him when he joined the Inyatsi regiment of traditional warriors and it means a bright smokeless flame.
Addressing his guests during the launch, he thanked the people who have assisted him in the project including his beautiful Judy and the Swazi Museum staff who encouraged him to write the book.

Dressed in traditional regalia, Crawford highlighted that the title of the book emphasizes the special significance of Swaziland’s heritage.
“The book will be the first step in describing the artefacts of Swaziland. Swaziland has valuable treasure which is our culture. I have tried my best but people are allowed to make corrections here and there,” he said.
Crawford also gave his guests a chance to pose questions, make suggestions and corrections on the book as he made it clear that it was the first step to writing more books in future.

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