What do you think?
Rate this book
Men of the South
A fascinating novel about three men out from three worlds. Mfundo the musician and dad, Mzi - gay, but married, and Tinyae – a displaced Zimbabwean in South Africa.
Modern chick-lit from an author named one of South Africa’s ‘Phenomenal Women’.
Modern chick-lit from an author named one of South Africa’s ‘Phenomenal Women’.
220 pages, Paperback
First published March 15, 2011
14 people are currently reading
467 people want to read
About the author
Zukiswa Wanner
30 books84 followersBorn to a South African father and a Zimbabwean mother in Zambia, Zukiswa Wanner is the author of the novels The Madams (2006), Behind Every Successful Man (2008), Commonwealth and Herman Charles Bosman Award shortlisted Men of the South (2010). Her two children’s books Jama Loves Bananas and Refilwe will be out in October this year.
As an essayist she has written The Politics of Race, Class, and Identity in Education http://www.guernicamag.com/blog/3429/...
and 2011 Mail & Guardian’s book of Women Introductory essay , Being a Woman in South Africa http://bow2011.mg.co.za/essays/on-bei....
She co-edited Outcasts – a collection of short stories from Africa and Asia with Indian writer Rohini Chowdhury in 2012. Wanner is one of 66 writers in the world (with Wole Soyinka, Jeanette Winterson, and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, among others) to write a contemporary response to the Bible. The works were staged in London theatres and at Westminister Abbey in October 2011. 66 Books: 21st Century Writers Speak to the King James Version Bible’s proceeds benefit disadvantaged art students.
Wanner co-authored A Prisoner’s Home (2010), a biography on the first Mandela house 8115 Vilakazi Street with award-winning South African photographer Alf Kumalo as well as L’Esprit du Sport (2010) with French photographer Amelie Debray.
She is the founder of ReadSA - a writer-initiated campaign to get South Africans reading more African literature with a particular emphasis on donating locally-written books to school libraries (and where unavailable, start libraries) and was in the inaugural writing team for first South African radio soapie in English, SAFM’s Radio Vuka.
She has been a regular participant at the prime literary events in South Africa, Time of the Writer, Franschhoek Literary Festival and Cape Town Book Fair and has also participated in literary festivals in England (London Book Fair), Denmark, Germany (BIGSAS Festival of African Literature), Zimbabwe (Intwasa Arts Festival), Algeria (Algiers Book Fair), Norway and Ghana (Pan African Literary Festival). In addition to this, she has conducted workshops for young writers in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Denmark, Germany and Western Kenya.
Wanner has contributed articles to Observer, Forbes Africa, New Statesman, O, Elle, The Guardian, Africa Review, Mail & Guardian, Marie Claire, Real, Juice, Afropolitan, OpenSpace, Wordsetc, Baobab, Sunday Independent, City Press, & Sunday Times.
As an essayist she has written The Politics of Race, Class, and Identity in Education http://www.guernicamag.com/blog/3429/...
and 2011 Mail & Guardian’s book of Women Introductory essay , Being a Woman in South Africa http://bow2011.mg.co.za/essays/on-bei....
She co-edited Outcasts – a collection of short stories from Africa and Asia with Indian writer Rohini Chowdhury in 2012. Wanner is one of 66 writers in the world (with Wole Soyinka, Jeanette Winterson, and Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, among others) to write a contemporary response to the Bible. The works were staged in London theatres and at Westminister Abbey in October 2011. 66 Books: 21st Century Writers Speak to the King James Version Bible’s proceeds benefit disadvantaged art students.
Wanner co-authored A Prisoner’s Home (2010), a biography on the first Mandela house 8115 Vilakazi Street with award-winning South African photographer Alf Kumalo as well as L’Esprit du Sport (2010) with French photographer Amelie Debray.
She is the founder of ReadSA - a writer-initiated campaign to get South Africans reading more African literature with a particular emphasis on donating locally-written books to school libraries (and where unavailable, start libraries) and was in the inaugural writing team for first South African radio soapie in English, SAFM’s Radio Vuka.
She has been a regular participant at the prime literary events in South Africa, Time of the Writer, Franschhoek Literary Festival and Cape Town Book Fair and has also participated in literary festivals in England (London Book Fair), Denmark, Germany (BIGSAS Festival of African Literature), Zimbabwe (Intwasa Arts Festival), Algeria (Algiers Book Fair), Norway and Ghana (Pan African Literary Festival). In addition to this, she has conducted workshops for young writers in Zimbabwe, South Africa, Denmark, Germany and Western Kenya.
Wanner has contributed articles to Observer, Forbes Africa, New Statesman, O, Elle, The Guardian, Africa Review, Mail & Guardian, Marie Claire, Real, Juice, Afropolitan, OpenSpace, Wordsetc, Baobab, Sunday Independent, City Press, & Sunday Times.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
February 24, 2020
I wanted to take a peek at the beginning of this, and ended up just reading it all... An interesting story of three men and the woman in their lives - of being a real man in today's South Africa and how options are limited by society, fear of fathers and not fitting into the expected roles.
May 18, 2021
For the baby Noma.
July 16, 2014
Zukiswa Wanner's novel,
Men of the South
centres on three close friends, two men and a woman: Mfundo is a struggling jazz musician, Mzi(likazi), works in a national development assistance agency, and Sli(ndile) is a doctor in a community hospital. Their relationships, nurtured since childhood, become, understandably, more complicated as they grow into adulthood. Mzi had originally introduced Mfundo to Sli; he is the confidante to both. When Mfundo falls madly in love with Sli and they move together, Mzi's friendship to both does not substantially change and the three are known to hang out together. Other events in their lives, however, challenge their loyalty to each other. Mzi feels he has to leave their small town and settles in Johannesburg. The political past is catching up with Mfundo leaving him without a job or money. This and other developments in the Mfundo-Sli love relationship bring them to breaking point. Gender identity, prejudice and perceived traditional gender roles in South African society become an important theme. Zukiswa Wanner explores these topics in depth and from different angles. She introduces another male character into the mix, Tinaye, whose experience as a refugee from Zimbabwe adds a new aspect of social behaviour into the story.
The novel is written in three distinct parts and from three perspectives: Mfundo, Mzi and... no, not Sli, but Tinaye, whose ties to the three friends is recent. By using three different voices for the narration, we find a certain degree of overlap in time periods and duplication in description of events. Yet, the reader also receives a better understanding of context and background. For example, the three childhood friends come from very different social backgrounds and upbringing. Understandably, their individual perspectives on life and circumstances can result in disagreement and even conflicts. They also each have to contend with their family members, who can create an even more difficult and tense environment for the friends individually and together have. Tinaye, as the outsider and in precarious circumstances – he needs to get work with a work permit so that he can continue to support his family in Zimbabwe – adds another level of complications to the group. It will come as no surprise that he also falls in love with the beautiful Sli...
Zukiswa Wanner's novel, Men of the South, is a fast and engaging read. She writes fluidly and, while touching on serious societal issues, she maintains a lighthearted and at times humorous touch in her story telling. Her characters are well developed and their circumstances realistically depicted. While some aspects of the character's behaviour and the connected storyline are predictable, the novel brings out the issues clear and convincing. The author was born in Zambia to a South African father and a Zimbabwean mother. She was educated in Zimbabwe, studied journalism in Hawai and lived for a while in England before settling in Jo'burg.
The novel is written in three distinct parts and from three perspectives: Mfundo, Mzi and... no, not Sli, but Tinaye, whose ties to the three friends is recent. By using three different voices for the narration, we find a certain degree of overlap in time periods and duplication in description of events. Yet, the reader also receives a better understanding of context and background. For example, the three childhood friends come from very different social backgrounds and upbringing. Understandably, their individual perspectives on life and circumstances can result in disagreement and even conflicts. They also each have to contend with their family members, who can create an even more difficult and tense environment for the friends individually and together have. Tinaye, as the outsider and in precarious circumstances – he needs to get work with a work permit so that he can continue to support his family in Zimbabwe – adds another level of complications to the group. It will come as no surprise that he also falls in love with the beautiful Sli...
Zukiswa Wanner's novel, Men of the South, is a fast and engaging read. She writes fluidly and, while touching on serious societal issues, she maintains a lighthearted and at times humorous touch in her story telling. Her characters are well developed and their circumstances realistically depicted. While some aspects of the character's behaviour and the connected storyline are predictable, the novel brings out the issues clear and convincing. The author was born in Zambia to a South African father and a Zimbabwean mother. She was educated in Zimbabwe, studied journalism in Hawai and lived for a while in England before settling in Jo'burg.
March 22, 2023
There were such deep themes in the book that were left unexplored or under explored, I wish the author could have stretched the book a bit more to cover them.
Proof reading was necessary although not well done. Otherwise it was an enjoyable read.
Proof reading was necessary although not well done. Otherwise it was an enjoyable read.
July 8, 2020
"Italians have a bittersweet saying: L'amore fa passare il tempo, il tempo fa passare l'amore"-love makes time pass, time makes love pass. You've made me realise that the 2nd part is not true. Life is meaningless without u. I miss u. I await her reply."
I felt like I knew these characters. I felt like their stories could be that of a friend, neighbour or colleague. The unfolding of their lives is so relatable, one can almost reach into the book and touch them. I loved every bit!
I did, however, feel as if the stories started to feel rushed at some point. I would've loved to hear more of Mzi's Germany escapades and how his experiences shaped the man he became; I would've loved to hear more of Mzi's new found "freedom" and how his wife & children managed his explosive revelation; I would've loved more in-depth cultivation into Tinaye's relationship with his father, his homeland after it had morphed into a barren land he barely recognized, but mostly, I would've loved for his love story with Sli to be explored more leisurely.
HOWEVER, I am cognizant of the fact that the book was centered around Sli and that these other stories may have led to a 500 page book...but in all honesty, I would've devoured every page!
Nonetheless, job well done Zukiswa!
Keep telling Africa's amazing stories!
I felt like I knew these characters. I felt like their stories could be that of a friend, neighbour or colleague. The unfolding of their lives is so relatable, one can almost reach into the book and touch them. I loved every bit!
I did, however, feel as if the stories started to feel rushed at some point. I would've loved to hear more of Mzi's Germany escapades and how his experiences shaped the man he became; I would've loved to hear more of Mzi's new found "freedom" and how his wife & children managed his explosive revelation; I would've loved more in-depth cultivation into Tinaye's relationship with his father, his homeland after it had morphed into a barren land he barely recognized, but mostly, I would've loved for his love story with Sli to be explored more leisurely.
HOWEVER, I am cognizant of the fact that the book was centered around Sli and that these other stories may have led to a 500 page book...but in all honesty, I would've devoured every page!
Nonetheless, job well done Zukiswa!
Keep telling Africa's amazing stories!
January 30, 2018
The female writer displays her story-telling talents through three men in contemporary South Africa - Mfundo, Mzi and Tiyane who all in relationships with Slindile, Mzi's high school sweetheart and wife, Mzi's best friend and Tiyane's lover.
Each part of the book focuses on man and the issues they face. Mfundo a talented musician, whose career is hampered by rubbing the wrong man the wrong way, turns to alcohol and loses his wife. Mzi who is homosexual moves to Cape Town to escape from telling his father. Tiyanne is English educated but was born in Zimbabwe so he is seen as an immigrant and is forced to take lower paid jobs.
Drugs, domestic violence, unemployment, women's rights and political corruption are also included in a more than interesting book. The main problem to me was the stories were not quite up to the same standard. The middle part on Mzi was excellent, Mfundo's story was a bit ho hum and Tiyanne's became a bit melodramatic.
Each part of the book focuses on man and the issues they face. Mfundo a talented musician, whose career is hampered by rubbing the wrong man the wrong way, turns to alcohol and loses his wife. Mzi who is homosexual moves to Cape Town to escape from telling his father. Tiyanne is English educated but was born in Zimbabwe so he is seen as an immigrant and is forced to take lower paid jobs.
Drugs, domestic violence, unemployment, women's rights and political corruption are also included in a more than interesting book. The main problem to me was the stories were not quite up to the same standard. The middle part on Mzi was excellent, Mfundo's story was a bit ho hum and Tiyanne's became a bit melodramatic.
December 29, 2016
Zukiswa narrates the story of Mfundo, Tiyane and Mzi in a contemporary manner. The three characters are anchored by Slindile, Mzi's high school sweetheart.
The book is divided into 3 parts with each character allocated a third of the book to tell their story. The story starts off with Mfundo's narration and his earlier relationship with Mzi and Slindile in the township. It was fun reading on that and the township slang thrown in for good measure gave the story authenticity. Later on, we read about how Slindile went to study medicine, returned home and picked up where she left off with Mfundo. Mfundo, a budding musician waiting for his big break, now reduced to a house-man after loosing his job. Slindile, a medical doctor, can afford to look after both herself and Mfundo finds it difficult to accept the status quo. It made me wonder why at this day and age the inability of Mfundo to provide for the family makes or breaks their relationship. After all, women the world over are fighting against patriarchal attitudes but privately, it seems like they are the biggest perpetrators. Doesn't equality of the sexes mean that a woman should support her partner financially should she be required to do so? This situation made me question the eradication of gender roles. If men and women, should I rather say, gender fluid persons had no roles at all, why are we then holding them accountable for responsibilities which were not assigned to them?Fast forward to a few months later, Slindile falls pregnant and refuses Mfundo's marriage proposal. Was it because Mfundo was bringing nothing tangible to the marriage. After all, the bond, the car, the baby's expenses, the groceries, are not paid for in "potential/dreams/love", they demand real money. Rands and cents. The Benjamins. The Randelas. Everything goes downhill from there onwards. Couldn't Mfundo have left with his dignity intact?. Was he too ashamed to go back home with his tail between his legs?. I felt so sorry for him. It seemed like his girlfriend and sister were ganging up against him. Pushed to the edge, he hits Slindile, spends the weekend in jail and is promptly booted out of his home upon his release. Soon after these episodes, things start looking up for him. I wondered, as a reader, that perhaps the universe was conspiring against him to get him to that point. Had he stayed with Slindile would he have realised his dreams?
The 2nd third of the book is about Mzi. Mzi, a closet homosexual, marries and has kids out of fear of being "found out". As parents, do we hinder our children from living their full lives because of our own prejudices? Had Mzi been in an environment which encouraged the development of a full person, would he have come out to his parents? He divorces his wife and moves to Cape Town to live his life. Confronted by a harsh and promiscuous gay-scene, he finds it difficult to cultivate the kind of relationship he wants. When he stops looking, he finds a nourishing relationship with Themba. I guess everyone battles to find the "one" irrespective of sexual -orientation, race or upward mobility.
I found Tiyane'so story so sad. Reduced to commit unsavoury acts due to his status, he looses out on a great relationship with his greatest love and is stuck with a woman he married out of duty. I hope that he finds his way back to his one.
I enjoyed this book but found that Zuki held back on the exploration of the themes. Bold themes such as these demanded to be cored. To be stripped at till only their roots were exposed.
The mini stories were well written and creatively narrated with the author injecting local lingo to maintain authenticity.
This was my 3rd Zukiswa read. It was an easy read which could greatly appeal to novice readers. I am looking to read a story with a universal appeal. A story which transcends borders. Something which surpasses the imagination. My ecopy had a few editorial mistakes. This could have been easily rectified by a litthe proofreading. Nothing major though. Didn't take away from the story.
I like to travel with my characters. To be taken to new worlds. Experience new things. I found this instalment too narrow in terms of the storyline. The themes were bold but we're watered down and peppered with romanticism. The diction, I get the addition of "local flavour" lacked sophistication. The conversations between Mzi and Mfundo lacked colour. So bland. Do men really converse like that with each other?
I have "London, Cape Town, Joburg" and am looking forward to my imagination being eclipsed.
Three phat stars☆☆☆
The book is divided into 3 parts with each character allocated a third of the book to tell their story. The story starts off with Mfundo's narration and his earlier relationship with Mzi and Slindile in the township. It was fun reading on that and the township slang thrown in for good measure gave the story authenticity. Later on, we read about how Slindile went to study medicine, returned home and picked up where she left off with Mfundo. Mfundo, a budding musician waiting for his big break, now reduced to a house-man after loosing his job. Slindile, a medical doctor, can afford to look after both herself and Mfundo finds it difficult to accept the status quo. It made me wonder why at this day and age the inability of Mfundo to provide for the family makes or breaks their relationship. After all, women the world over are fighting against patriarchal attitudes but privately, it seems like they are the biggest perpetrators. Doesn't equality of the sexes mean that a woman should support her partner financially should she be required to do so? This situation made me question the eradication of gender roles. If men and women, should I rather say, gender fluid persons had no roles at all, why are we then holding them accountable for responsibilities which were not assigned to them?Fast forward to a few months later, Slindile falls pregnant and refuses Mfundo's marriage proposal. Was it because Mfundo was bringing nothing tangible to the marriage. After all, the bond, the car, the baby's expenses, the groceries, are not paid for in "potential/dreams/love", they demand real money. Rands and cents. The Benjamins. The Randelas. Everything goes downhill from there onwards. Couldn't Mfundo have left with his dignity intact?. Was he too ashamed to go back home with his tail between his legs?. I felt so sorry for him. It seemed like his girlfriend and sister were ganging up against him. Pushed to the edge, he hits Slindile, spends the weekend in jail and is promptly booted out of his home upon his release. Soon after these episodes, things start looking up for him. I wondered, as a reader, that perhaps the universe was conspiring against him to get him to that point. Had he stayed with Slindile would he have realised his dreams?
The 2nd third of the book is about Mzi. Mzi, a closet homosexual, marries and has kids out of fear of being "found out". As parents, do we hinder our children from living their full lives because of our own prejudices? Had Mzi been in an environment which encouraged the development of a full person, would he have come out to his parents? He divorces his wife and moves to Cape Town to live his life. Confronted by a harsh and promiscuous gay-scene, he finds it difficult to cultivate the kind of relationship he wants. When he stops looking, he finds a nourishing relationship with Themba. I guess everyone battles to find the "one" irrespective of sexual -orientation, race or upward mobility.
I found Tiyane'so story so sad. Reduced to commit unsavoury acts due to his status, he looses out on a great relationship with his greatest love and is stuck with a woman he married out of duty. I hope that he finds his way back to his one.
I enjoyed this book but found that Zuki held back on the exploration of the themes. Bold themes such as these demanded to be cored. To be stripped at till only their roots were exposed.
The mini stories were well written and creatively narrated with the author injecting local lingo to maintain authenticity.
This was my 3rd Zukiswa read. It was an easy read which could greatly appeal to novice readers. I am looking to read a story with a universal appeal. A story which transcends borders. Something which surpasses the imagination. My ecopy had a few editorial mistakes. This could have been easily rectified by a litthe proofreading. Nothing major though. Didn't take away from the story.
I like to travel with my characters. To be taken to new worlds. Experience new things. I found this instalment too narrow in terms of the storyline. The themes were bold but we're watered down and peppered with romanticism. The diction, I get the addition of "local flavour" lacked sophistication. The conversations between Mzi and Mfundo lacked colour. So bland. Do men really converse like that with each other?
I have "London, Cape Town, Joburg" and am looking forward to my imagination being eclipsed.
Three phat stars☆☆☆
March 28, 2018
The book is based on three men, whose lives are connected to Slindile. To these men, Sli plays the roles of lover, friend, confidant and sometimes the needed mother. The book is divided into 3 parts (1 part for each man).
The first part starts with the relationship between Mfundo and Sli, who are high school sweethearts. They broke up briefly as teenagers and resumed their relationship as adults. The state of their relationship address social prejudices and norms: what is the role of the man and the woman in a relationship? Their reverse roles (based on social norms) ultimately results in the end of their relationship.
The second part is based on Sli and her friend Mzilikazi, whom later is forced to come out as a gay man after he was found by his best friend (Mfundo) in a compromising position. The cost of Mzi coming out resulted in life changes for his family and the people he held dear.
The last part of the book is based on Sli and her new beau Tinaye. This is a story of boy meets girl and they fall in love with each other until boy screws it up and they break up.
I liked the idea of how the book and the storyline was laid out, but I felt the idea fell short on execution. The three men’s stories felt rushed, for the purpose of the author finishing the book. There was a lot more focus on building the characters, but very little on the actual story: their relationships with Sli. All in all, the book is really nothing to sing home about.
The first part starts with the relationship between Mfundo and Sli, who are high school sweethearts. They broke up briefly as teenagers and resumed their relationship as adults. The state of their relationship address social prejudices and norms: what is the role of the man and the woman in a relationship? Their reverse roles (based on social norms) ultimately results in the end of their relationship.
The second part is based on Sli and her friend Mzilikazi, whom later is forced to come out as a gay man after he was found by his best friend (Mfundo) in a compromising position. The cost of Mzi coming out resulted in life changes for his family and the people he held dear.
The last part of the book is based on Sli and her new beau Tinaye. This is a story of boy meets girl and they fall in love with each other until boy screws it up and they break up.
I liked the idea of how the book and the storyline was laid out, but I felt the idea fell short on execution. The three men’s stories felt rushed, for the purpose of the author finishing the book. There was a lot more focus on building the characters, but very little on the actual story: their relationships with Sli. All in all, the book is really nothing to sing home about.
May 9, 2019
I know the author so I will not review this here ;-)
January 4, 2020
This is a short and nice novel told from the point of view of three male characters, gravitating around Sli, an educated and independent woman. It is beautifully written and I just could not put it down.
Interesting in this novel is the way gender relations are depicted and how the three male protagonists suffer from gender inequality, for not always behaving as real men are expected to do. Interesting as well how lgtbtqia+ is treated, and other issues like discrimination and migration.
Great book.
Interesting in this novel is the way gender relations are depicted and how the three male protagonists suffer from gender inequality, for not always behaving as real men are expected to do. Interesting as well how lgtbtqia+ is treated, and other issues like discrimination and migration.
Great book.
January 18, 2020
This novel tells the story of three men and their relationship with a woman, Sli. It is written purely from a male perspective and each man's tale is told in a separate section, related in the first person. It highlights a number of societal issues in modern South Africa which are instantly recognisable to those who live here. Well-written with good pace, I enjoyed my first exposure to this author.
March 17, 2021
"Italians have a bittersweet saying: L'amore fa passare il tempo, il tempo fa passare l'amore"-love makes time pass, time makes love pass. You've made me realise that the 2nd part is not true. Life is meaningless without u. I miss u. I await her reply."
Zukiswa Wanner is such a great writer. I read it in one sitting post a very dark day (that needed distraction). I enjoyed this distraction with Sha Sha playing on the background.
Zukiswa Wanner is such a great writer. I read it in one sitting post a very dark day (that needed distraction). I enjoyed this distraction with Sha Sha playing on the background.
February 4, 2019
Book was okay, i would have given the book a better reading but the writer has some ignorant views of black people and this shows through the characters. The characters are from the township/rural areas so naturally wouldnt hold such views themselves so obviously the bias is on the side of the writer.
July 2, 2017
Ms Wanner's ways to convey her themes are too brutal and aggressive. But, I admire her aggression and brutality.
October 24, 2022
One of my best
July 20, 2015
Men of the South is my first contemporary African read and what an introduction.
Zukiswa Warner brings the lives of three men in the Southern Part of Africa together and explores different circumstances they face that bring them together.
Mfundo, Mzilikazi and Tinaye are somehow connected by a strong headed doctor, Sli who happens to be the cog in the story.
Men of the South doesn't have such distant themes and helps present them in their intricacies. There are issues of homosexuality, feminism, manhood, xenophobia, and politics.
There is a bias in how the different themes are looked at especially homosexuality, feminism and manhood. We have three men, one an artistic soul waiting for his big break (Mfundo), another a gay man trying to find love (Mzi) and another a Zimbabwean in South Africa trying to get a better job and salary in a foreign land after getting a very good education (Tinaye).
I definitely found Zukiswa's portrayals of these men extremely romantic. When Mfundo loses his job while living in Sli's house, his actions become so extreme of a man that I wondered, can a man really be that close to his daughter to the point of wanting to not work and be a wife?
For Mzi's monologues about homosexuality in South Africa, I saw Zukiswa trying hard to plead the case for gay love. She was as if trying to answer all questions that homosexuality faces in an anti-gay Africa. It was definitely hard reading the chapters where she addressed it however, perhaps she shared well about the issues gay men face.
Tinaye's situation was one of the more serious ones given by the time the novel was written there were issues of xenophobia in South Africa. And the time I read this book was a few months after a second occurrence had happened.
Here is a learned Zimbabwean of UK education trying to make a living in South Africa where he comes to be looked at as a man taking away the jobs of the natives. He decides he will marry to sort out his situation.
In his attempt, he makes a woman he doesn't love pregnant after falling deep in love with Sli.
It's written in a light hearted manner and allows us to look at serious issues without being dimmed in heart.
My issue is I felt they were written with a bit of hyperbole and extra romanticism. Tinaye's ease with his women. Mfundo's effeminisation, Mzi's love affair. Perhaps this is how reading shocks us with other people's circumstances.
Nonetheless, hyperbole aside, it was very enjoyable. Zukiswa knows how to use the first person to her advantage. I couldn't help but be present with each of the characters she embodied. That is why even though uncomfortable about the gay parts, I got a glimpse into some of the issues they face like when she said "meat bags".
The suspense was not badly done either. The chapter endings always left you wanting to open the next even when sleep was banging on your door!
In all, I can say it was an enjoyable read even with it's uncomfortable bits.
Zukiswa Warner brings the lives of three men in the Southern Part of Africa together and explores different circumstances they face that bring them together.
Mfundo, Mzilikazi and Tinaye are somehow connected by a strong headed doctor, Sli who happens to be the cog in the story.
Men of the South doesn't have such distant themes and helps present them in their intricacies. There are issues of homosexuality, feminism, manhood, xenophobia, and politics.
There is a bias in how the different themes are looked at especially homosexuality, feminism and manhood. We have three men, one an artistic soul waiting for his big break (Mfundo), another a gay man trying to find love (Mzi) and another a Zimbabwean in South Africa trying to get a better job and salary in a foreign land after getting a very good education (Tinaye).
I definitely found Zukiswa's portrayals of these men extremely romantic. When Mfundo loses his job while living in Sli's house, his actions become so extreme of a man that I wondered, can a man really be that close to his daughter to the point of wanting to not work and be a wife?
For Mzi's monologues about homosexuality in South Africa, I saw Zukiswa trying hard to plead the case for gay love. She was as if trying to answer all questions that homosexuality faces in an anti-gay Africa. It was definitely hard reading the chapters where she addressed it however, perhaps she shared well about the issues gay men face.
Tinaye's situation was one of the more serious ones given by the time the novel was written there were issues of xenophobia in South Africa. And the time I read this book was a few months after a second occurrence had happened.
Here is a learned Zimbabwean of UK education trying to make a living in South Africa where he comes to be looked at as a man taking away the jobs of the natives. He decides he will marry to sort out his situation.
In his attempt, he makes a woman he doesn't love pregnant after falling deep in love with Sli.
It's written in a light hearted manner and allows us to look at serious issues without being dimmed in heart.
My issue is I felt they were written with a bit of hyperbole and extra romanticism. Tinaye's ease with his women. Mfundo's effeminisation, Mzi's love affair. Perhaps this is how reading shocks us with other people's circumstances.
Nonetheless, hyperbole aside, it was very enjoyable. Zukiswa knows how to use the first person to her advantage. I couldn't help but be present with each of the characters she embodied. That is why even though uncomfortable about the gay parts, I got a glimpse into some of the issues they face like when she said "meat bags".
The suspense was not badly done either. The chapter endings always left you wanting to open the next even when sleep was banging on your door!
In all, I can say it was an enjoyable read even with it's uncomfortable bits.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 12, 2016
Zukiswa Wanner has written an alluring tale about making ends meet and finding love. This tale is set in South Africa’s Johannesburg. This is a tale of the Men of the South, Mfundo, Mzilikazi and Tinaye. They narrate stories in first person dividing the book into three chapters. Zukiswa shines through the voices of her three main characters and does not struggle with writing in the voice of the opposite sex. Through Zuki’s characters, the story brings to light pertinent issues in African societies like being homosexual and xenophobia.
Mfundo and Mzilikazi are childhood friends who have shared a lot, from secret youth pleasures like threesomes to tough challenges as they grow up. They both grow up under the scrutiny of a society that expects them to achieve certain things and live in a certain way.
Mzi is central to the story line as he connects major characters, he is best friends with Slindile and Mfundo and ends up introducing Sli to Tinaye.
After years of friendship Mfundo discovers that Mzi his best friend is gay. Mzi, a married man, then breaks up his marriage to further explore his sexuality and moves to Cape Town. How Zuki writes about a blooming relationship between two men simply plays out the innocence of how true love unfolds between two, irrespective of sex or cultural inclinations.
At the tail end of the book, her main characters all unite over some beer and end up discussing xenophobia, a recurrence in modern-day South Africa. With the increase in unemployment figures, many South Africans have accused African immigrants of taking their jobs and committing crimes.
Zukiswa Wanner’s writing exudes wit and charm, she mixes up comedy and thought-provoking tales that we experience on a daily basis. The ending is thrilling and has endless opportunities for a well thought “personal” ending.
Mfundo and Mzilikazi are childhood friends who have shared a lot, from secret youth pleasures like threesomes to tough challenges as they grow up. They both grow up under the scrutiny of a society that expects them to achieve certain things and live in a certain way.
Mzi is central to the story line as he connects major characters, he is best friends with Slindile and Mfundo and ends up introducing Sli to Tinaye.
After years of friendship Mfundo discovers that Mzi his best friend is gay. Mzi, a married man, then breaks up his marriage to further explore his sexuality and moves to Cape Town. How Zuki writes about a blooming relationship between two men simply plays out the innocence of how true love unfolds between two, irrespective of sex or cultural inclinations.
At the tail end of the book, her main characters all unite over some beer and end up discussing xenophobia, a recurrence in modern-day South Africa. With the increase in unemployment figures, many South Africans have accused African immigrants of taking their jobs and committing crimes.
Zukiswa Wanner’s writing exudes wit and charm, she mixes up comedy and thought-provoking tales that we experience on a daily basis. The ending is thrilling and has endless opportunities for a well thought “personal” ending.
Read
August 14, 2014- She seemed to enjoy reminding my parents how much better her grades were to mine from the very first time she started school so I hit back. I told all her friends, truthfully, that she still wet the bed. -
- And lately I have been watching Oprah. Blaming your parents is very valid. -
- Don't get me wrong. I am not minimising women's issues but lately it seems as though being a man is not as great as it was fifty years ago. -
- Me? Make a contribution for a dog? So many children starving and they want us to make a contributions for a dead dog? -
- There was a God, I thought to myself. He is Zimbabwean. And He loves me. -
- And lately I have been watching Oprah. Blaming your parents is very valid. -
- Don't get me wrong. I am not minimising women's issues but lately it seems as though being a man is not as great as it was fifty years ago. -
- Me? Make a contribution for a dog? So many children starving and they want us to make a contributions for a dead dog? -
- There was a God, I thought to myself. He is Zimbabwean. And He loves me. -
August 4, 2015
Men of the South is a story that addresses contemporary issues not only in South Africa but Africa in general: unemployment, family relationships, marriage, the sensitive gay topic, South African Xenophobia, romantic relationships, activist, women empowerment, gender equality, and what every society has.
The book, though an interesting read, captivating and relate-able, it's not fit for school text (our African school kids don't need such bold topics, no examinations board will approve anyway).
Men of the South is bold, authoritative, demanding to be read even when you are tired, humorous, lighthearted... everything a good book has.
Definitely the other titles by Zukiswa are a must read.
The book, though an interesting read, captivating and relate-able, it's not fit for school text (our African school kids don't need such bold topics, no examinations board will approve anyway).
Men of the South is bold, authoritative, demanding to be read even when you are tired, humorous, lighthearted... everything a good book has.
Definitely the other titles by Zukiswa are a must read.
November 15, 2024
What is African masculinity? This is the question that Wanner addresses in this book. Set in post-apartheid South Africa, the three main characters challenge the heterosexual, hyper-masculine, stereotype of the African man. The narrator of the novel changes as each character tells his own story. While the men in Wanner's novel assert their right to live life on their terms, they each suffer loss to do so.
My favorite part of this book is how the author embeds her character's
My favorite part of this book is how the author embeds her character's
June 14, 2015
Miss Wanner is funny. LOL kind of funny. the setting is relatable, and she tackles the sensitive issues of homosexuality, gender stereotypes and immigrants. She does drive the questions surrounding this issues home with a bit of humour
About the characters- I especially love Mzi, to put it blankly, he is just a cool cat.
About the characters- I especially love Mzi, to put it blankly, he is just a cool cat.
January 14, 2016
Humorous yet poignant in its portrayal of topical Southern African issues
Couldn't put this book down! It was riveting and at times tongue in cheek. I felt the writer captured the evolution of the characters from carefree hopeful youth to disappointed and dissatisfied adults tackling real life issues whilst making touch tough personal calls to attain their perceived happiness.
Couldn't put this book down! It was riveting and at times tongue in cheek. I felt the writer captured the evolution of the characters from carefree hopeful youth to disappointed and dissatisfied adults tackling real life issues whilst making touch tough personal calls to attain their perceived happiness.
September 12, 2010
I true reflection of our society
May 6, 2013
you wouldn't put it down, its a read until the sunrise. words that will make you drool, literaly
Read
May 25, 2015good
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews