The Great Athol Fugard Has Rested

 It is hard to imagine that someone with such a powerful countenance, a relentless passion for social justice, an endless flow of wit from his pen, could ever rest. Athol Fugard, award-winning South African playwright, director, and actor.

He was so incensed by Apartheid that the government even withdrew his passport for a number of years. I had the distinct privilege of  teaching his plays a few years ago to an A level Cambridge Literature class. What fun we had!

(Internet photo)

There is so much to grasp between the pages of the play 'Sizwe Bansi is Dead.' Athol's tangible impact is undeniable. He creates characters and scenes from the most mundane and everyday situations and ignites them into an unforgettable life event. The potent discrimination during Apartheid is so well described and articulated in this play, and leaves anyone quite numb. 

Being a white South Africa, enraged by the Apartheid system, attracted its own backlash and antagonism and yet Athol was consistent in his stance.

No-Good Friday, another of his plays, is highly memorable and intertwines such unimaginable tension during Apartheid in Sophiatown.

Reading Nongogo left us with so many questions about blurred lines, survival and justice. I would have loved to have met this unmatched genius. 

To a great person, rest well.

Beverley N Nsengiyunva

Bless!

Feeling, Is Out! The Poetry Anthology Celebrating Iconic Ugandan Women

 This has been the most celebratory and noteworthy journey of all our poetry anthologies at Babishai. It just kept growing until this monumental time. What a journey worth relishing in. Every single part has been worth it.

 

Prof. Sylvia Tamale                                          Tapenence Kuteesa

 

 

Dr. Isabella Epiu, Uganda’s first PhD anaesthisiologist

Extended gratitude to the poetry contributors, to the photographer, to Braid Art ad Culture Fund, Gilgal Media Arts and the team tat Babishai Niwe Poetry Foundation.

Thanks to the women whom we reached out to who gladly accepted this honour. Thanks to their relatives, as well.

To Kampala Morning Stars Rotary Club, who hosted an early women’ s day meeting and bought a significant number of copies, thank you.

Jackie Asiimwe

There are 65 iconic Ugandan women who are honoured in this poetry anthology and if we had had a lifetime to produce this anthology, then we would definitely have included all the extraordinary women of Uganda.

 

We are victorious. Uganda is victorious. Africa is victorious. he world is victorious. Each of these women has shaped the world in one way or another. We will never stop rejoicing in their accolades.

The online version of this poetry anthology is available here.FEELING

For physical copies, call +256 751 703226 or email babishai@babishai.com

 

Thank you!!

Rev Bev-touching the world one country at a time

 On the last Sunday of February this year, my Pastor Godson Sebuguzi and his wife, Dr. Catherine Sebuguzi, invited me to lead service at God's Fortress Ministries in Komamboga Uganda. What a huge honour!

In my twenties, I used to call myself #RevBev and imagined myself evangelising in every country in the world. There's something satisfying and highly rewarding when it comes to touching the lands of unfamiliar places and speaking to those who carry unfamiliar faces and speak unfamiliar languages. 

I feel I am part of something real and that it is just an extension of whom I was always supposed to be.

2025 is the year when I am launching new products. The first was my website, in January, an unveiling of a powerful and creative side of me. Here's the link. BEVERLEY N NSENGIYUNVA

In March 2025, it is the release of 'Feeling,' the women's poetry anthology celebrating iconic Ugandan women. This is such a celebratory year and I am grateful for each person that has ridden along with me, walked with me, jumped and danced with me and created with me.