Township Girls: The Cross-Over Generation is a collection of stories by 30 Southern African women relating their experiences of growing up in the turbulent transition years just prior to and post independence in Zimbabwe in 1980.

Township Girls provides insight into a time in history not fully explored in Southern Africa. The contributors reflect on their pasts, with candour – with many of their memories retaining the crystalline clarity of childhood.

The book will be launched in Johannesburg on 30 May 2019:

The countdown has begun…3 more sleeps! Join the Township Girls at our book launch in Joburg. Thursday 30th of May @nomsamwamuka @fmpofu1 #booklaunch #africamonth#africanwomen #africanhistory @Cottonloungejhb pic.twitter.com/DVJAFmAqZU

— Township Girls The Book (@GirlsTownship) May 27, 2019

Behind these women stood dedicated parents, often teachers, nurses and businesspeople determined that their children succeed through education. The commitment of this emerging middle class is a reminder of the negative obduracy of an essentially racist regime which consistently denied black people the vote – in ways akin to experiences in apartheid South Africa.

Though Township Girls reflects the dark side, we are given glimpses into a time when communities were steadfast in their values, and families offered stability and security. So, while set in Zimbabwe, the stories are Pan African in impact and global in appeal. Discussions for Township Girls South Africa and Township Boys are underway.

The contributors include South African-based broadcaster Sophie Chamboko, BAFTA Award-winning South African filmmaker Xoliswa Sithole, head of communications at the African Union Wynne Musabayana, researcher Joy Chimombe, and gender activists Tambu Muzenda and Isabella Matambanadzo, who will take the opportunity to discuss issues pertaining to growing up in a transitioning socio-political environment while addressing current realities, especially for women in Zimbabwe, South Africa and across the continent.

‘Passionately written encounters of the memories of adult women as they dig into the recesses of their memories to weave vivid unforgettable stories of their fears, joys, triumphs and adventures of fitting into two different cultures in pre-independent Zimbabwe.’ – Miriam Majome

‘I found myself intrigued by this slice of history, this mirror on childhood, in a world we thought we knew, but now seems mysterious.’ – Valerie Tagwira

‘I’ve noticed the fruit trees in high density back gardens. But who would have guessed that the Rhodesian regime provided them? I loved this book for the glimpse of lives we were so rarely able to see.’ – Jacquie Gulliver

Categories Non-fiction South Africa

Tags Jacana Media New books New releases Township Girls Weaver Press Zimbabwe