In Zimbabwe, some good news for a change: the National Arts Merit Award (NAMA) for literature 2008 is awarded to Valerie Tagwira for The Uncertainty of Hope. Weaver Press describes:

‘Through Onai and her best friend Katy, the book examines domestic violence, poverty, homelessness and lack of control that disadvantaged women have over their sexuality, which among other things, makes them more vulnerable to HIV and AIDS. It is also a book about surviving against the odds, and the value of true friendship. Onai and Katy’s interactions with other characters from a different social class reveal the intricacies of modern day Zimbabwe.’

For their full press release click here. Tagwira has her own site here.